Suffolk Trading Standards has issued a warning after a business lost nearly £250 to a council worker scam. 

The authority received reports from businesses who were contacted by an individual claiming to be from the local council's licencing department. 

A business was told there was an outstanding payment of £240 for an overdue licence fee while another was told a similar story with a request of £248.32. 

One of the contacted businesses was expecting a renewal of their licence fee and paid. 

The scam involved a call from a mobile number with the caller claiming his name was Matthew.

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He provided an account number and sort code for bank details not associated with the local council. 

Suffolk Trading Standards is advising businesses to always check with the licencing department before making any payment. 

A spokesman said: "The department will never make unsolicited calls or texts asking for payment."

Anyone who thinks they may have been a victim of a scam can report it to Action Fraud via their website or by calling 0300 123 2040.