A WARNING has been issued following a number of bogus library fines calls in East Lancashire.

Lancashire County Council's trading standards experts have said people have been contacted about overdue library charges.

The callers claimed the charges had been accrued by a family member who had died.

The council has warned everyone to not pass over any personal or banking information and block the number if possible.

The library service would never contact anyone in this way.

Cllr Albert Atkinson, deputy leader of the council, said: "This is another example of scammers targeting vulnerable people, preying on the bereaved in an attempt to get their bank details.

"It's possible these crooks could have seen the sad news online, social media, in newspapers or may even have been sold the information.

"They have acted on this information and made a call.

"Their intention was to withdraw as much money as possible from the victim's account.

"Never give any banking or personal details if you receive a call like this and contact us via Citizen's Advice as soon as possible."