MIDDLEWICH residents are being warned to stay on guard against con artists in during the Christmas period.


Cheshire East Council have issued the warning after a spate of scam phone calls were reported, with the caller claiming to from Microsoft technical support, asking for access to a home computer to fix a virus.


Clr Les Gilbert, Cheshire East’s Cabinet member for localism and enforcement, said: “Our trading standards officers keep track of scams and we are working with Cheshire police to protect the public.


“Forewarned is forearmed, and we hope this will help residents to stay one step ahead.”


The council’s trading standards officers are also advising residents not to purchase goods or services from cold callers either knocking at the door or via an unsolicited phone call.


They advise that while some traders who call at your door can be honest and genuine, some are not and can be extremely persuasive, including pressure selling, unfair contracts, overpriced or substandard home maintenance or improvements, phoney consumer surveys and bogus charity collections.


Services frequently offered through cold calling are home improvements and repairs, security systems, mobility aids, gardening services, power washing, tarmac and driveway repairs.


Trading standards can provide a ‘super sign’ that tells cold callers to leave. Call the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 04 05 06 to order a sign.