GWENT Police has issued a warning to people in Monmouthshire about scam calls from a single phone number.

The telephone number, 0207 101 7003, has been recorded by many people as being the source of various ploys, mostly to try and get personal or banking details from their targets.

One one occasion the caller said that they were from Monmouthshire County Council, and tried to get personal details. In another case the caller posed as being asked by the government to look into installing solar panels in the property, while another said she was from UK Style and Home, and wanted to conduct a survey.

At other times the caller has said they represent the 'Family Money Savings,' and needed bank details, they have also been reported as calling and asking for the persons account details – stating that they had won a prize.

On websites that are dedicated to exposing scammers who use such techniques, a host of entries are posted about that particular phone number, and the many and devious ways that they have been trying to extract personal information from people.

Chepstow Police Community Support Officer Laura Price said: "It appears that this company is targeting local people, however the purpose is ambiguous as the reports appear to be different each time, which makes these occurrences suspicious."

They added: "If you receive calls of this nature, please remember the following: Never hand over your bank card, PIN, card details on online/telephone banking log-in credentials."

Their advice to anyone who is asked for banking details of any type, "to end the call immediately." They also suggest verifying the callers veracity by using an independently checked telephone number. For people who wish to opt out of 'cold calls', there is the Telephone Preference Service, which is a free service that helps to block such calls by placing your number on a register stating your preference not to get unsolicited sales or marketing calls.

When the Review called the number, using a protected phone, it connected to an answer-phone, with a message that said " You have been called about a simple household questionnaire, this is nothing to worry about." It then goes on to say that callers could leave their full details on a recording, and the company would then remove them from their records "within seven days".

Police have asked anyone with concerns about scam calls to contact http://www.actionfraud.police.uk">www.actionfraud.police.uk, or by phone on 0300 123 2040.