Residents across the Maldon district are urged to be on their guard against the latest phone scams.

Neighbourhood Watch co-ordinators are trying to spread the word of a scam after an unknown number of local people were targeted.

The hoax caller claims the resident has an unpaid bill from BT and threatens to disconnect them unless an on-the-spot payment is made.

Neighbourhood Watch Maldon Section chairman Mike Rees said: “My very next door neighbour suffered one of these calls only yesterday.

“The guy threatens to cut you off and presses the mute button.

“When my neighbour phoned the police about the scam, they thanked her for letting them know.”

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