Watchdogs have warned people in Norfolk not to fall for con artists making cold calls claiming to be from BT.

Norfolk Trading Standards said that, during the calls the cold caller will state that there is a 'problem' with their would-be victim's computer.

They say they need to the computer to 'fix the issue', with various claims made, including that they will 'cut off broadband' in an attempt to persuade the call recipient to follow their instructions.

Trading standards officers said: 'If remote access to the computer is given the cold caller could then place malware or other malicious software onto your machine or undertake a few menial tasks and then attempt to charge for the 'fix'.'

They advised people to be wary of telephone cold calls. They advised people who get calls claiming to be from BT to not give or confirm personal of financial details, but to hang up, wait five minutes and contact BT customer service on 0800 800 150.