BOGUS debt advisers have been preying in people with money worries in the Hambleton area of North Yorkshire.

The Citizens’ Advice Bureau has warned that cold callers offering fake debt help have been ringing local people to pump them for information.

Advice service manager Helen Donnelly said: “This is a scam which deliberately trades on public trust in our service.

“We were shocked when someone who wasn’t an existing client contacted us to find out how we knew they were in debt and explained they had had a call from one of our advisers.”

She added: “No genuine Citizens Advice Bureau would ever call people out of the blue offering to set up a debt management plan.

“We want to reassure residents of Hambleton that the bureau offers a free and confidential money advice service which will include a full benefits check.”

Anyone receiving such a call or text is urged to alert Action Fraud immediately on 0300 123 2040, or online at actionfraud.org.uk/report_fraud Contact details for all CABx and more information on money management and dealing with debt can be found on the website adviceguide.org.uk