POLICE working in partnership with the local authority has warned of more scams targeting the most vulnerable on the Isle of Wight.

Last week, the Isle of Wight Council reported scam messages, by mobile phone text, falsely stating eligibility for payments from the Household Support Fund, the Department of Work and Pensions, the UK Home Office and parking fines.

"They will ask you to click on a link and supply your bank details to receive a payment," the Island Police has warned.

"These are scams. Do not click on any links. If in any doubt, contact the Isle of Wight Council."

Since then, Isle of Wight Trading Standards are highlighting further scams doing the rounds at the moment.

"Scam alerts from Trading Standards include a national scam that could cause serious harm to the most vulnerable on the Island," the police add. 

"We are receiving regular reports of scammers purporting to be from various organisations, including British Gas and the British Lung Foundation, offering free loft inspections, as your insulation may be causing damp — or worse, that it may be carcinogenic.

"Do not engage with any of these callers. Their 'free' inspection will inevitably find problems and you will then be charged for work to be carried out you wont need, which could leave your property in a worse state.

"Scammers adapt their approach to fit in with our society, so be on the look out for calls relating to the scrapping of the Winter Fuel Payment.

"Scammers will soon pick up on this change and try to use it to their benefit — and our detriment.

"Be extremely wary of any calls, texts and emails claiming to be from your energy provider, the Government or Ofgem (the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets)."

Suspicious texts can be forwarded for free to 7726, for the mobile provider to investigate, and potentially block the number.

Islanders are also encouraged to share this warning with friends and family, to help safeguard the community.

The council emphasises the importance of vigilance and reporting any suspicious activity, to prevent these fraudulent attempts.

The warning comes amid increasing reports of similar scams targeting unsuspecting individuals.