PEOPLE in Worcestershire are being warned to be extra vigilant this Christmas as scam and nuisance callers ramp up their activity in the hope of cashing in.

It is believed members of the public are "more susceptible" to take these calls over the festive period and could lose out.

CPR Call Blocker, producer of a call blocking device, has conducted research into the most prolific types of nuisance and scam calls received in Worcestershire.

The top five are:

1. Virus hoax – being called by so-called ‘Microsoft Windows Support’ who inform you of a virus on your computer and ask for your passwords to fix it

2. PPI refunds – being told you are owed money for mis-sold PPI payments and asked for an admin fee to proceed

3. Prize scam – you are told you have won a large prize and are asked to pay a processing fee or call a premium rate line to claim your prize

4. Bank account problems – someone claiming to be from the bank informs you of a problem with your account and requests security details including your PIN

5. Noise rebate – discovering a place you once worked has been condemned as being too noisy and you are entitled to a rebate and then asked to provide personal details

Kris Hicks, head of brand engagement at CPR Call Blocker, said: “Instead of spreading good cheer, telephone scammers are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to duping people into transferring money or parting with personal details.

"Although many of us simply put the phone down when we take a call we’re not sure of, it is often the most vulnerable people in society who fall victim to these scams.”