IMPOSTERS claiming to be from the Citizens’ Advice Bureau are preying on local people with money worries by offering to help them, Ely Citizens’ Advice Bureau warned this week.

As people face their post-Christmas credit card bills, this “despicable scam” is being carried out over the phone, with vulnerable people being asked for personal information and offered debt management.

Ely CAB Chief Officer Beverley Howard has urged anyone receiving such bogus calls to report them immediately, and said “No CAB adviser, or anyone connected with the CAB, would ever phone or text someone out of the blue to offer debt management services. We cannot stress this too strongly, and we would urge anyone getting a bogus call like this to end the call as quickly as possible, never give or confirm any personal information.

“This is a despicable scam that trades on public trust in our service. Post Christmas, a lot of people are finding it very difficult financially and could easily be taken in by these imposters. We were horrified when someone who wasn’t an existing client contacted us to find out how we knew they were in debt and told us they had had a call from one of our advisers. “

Beverley says the Ely CAB is ready to help anyone experiencing debt or money worries. She added: “Our service is completely free, confidential and independent, and we have many years of experience and expertise in helping people get debt free and stay that way.

“ We can look at your whole situation, deal with any emergencies such as the threat of eviction or other court or bailiff action, or disconnection of essential services. We can also make sure you are not missing out on any extra income you may be entitled to. We can negotiate with creditors on your behalf and discuss all your options with you, so you can decide on the one that is right for you.”

The public is being warned that cold calls or texts that offers a loan, help with debt problems, or claims to be from a bank is almost certainly a scam.

CAB chiefs said no genuine Citizens Advice Bureau would ever call people out of the blue offering to set up a debt management plan. They urged anyone receiving such a call or text to alert Action Fraud immediately on 0300 123 2040, or online at http://www.actionfraud.org.uk/report_fraud

INFO: Ely CAB has drop in sessions on Monday, Wednesday or Thursday between 9.30am to 1.30pm ; or phone their Adviceline on 0845 130 6442 Monday to Friday between 9.00am and 1.30pm.