POLICE have sent out a warning about fraudsters using two different types of telephone con in the county.
In one scam, cold callers offer people discounted utility bills and ask them to transfer money for these bills to the caller's accounts.
In the second, scammers pose as solicitors and tell people they are eligible for a cash refund or prize but that they will need to pay an advance fee to release it.
Detective Inspector Rob King, head of Derbyshire police's Economic Crime Unit, has been working to tackle the utility bill scam.
He said: "With rising energy costs, the discounted prices offered by the suspects may seem tempting but there are simple safety tips that you can follow to ensure that you don't fall into a criminal's trap."
In the utility bill scam, callers say they are from a company that offers discounts on household bills and often use the names of a reputable energy comparison website to make the scam appear legitimate.
Victims agree for the caller to pay their utility bill to guarantee a discount and are asked to transfer the money to the caller's bank account.
The victim then thinks that their bill has been paid until they are contacted by their energy company or council that there are unresolved bills and late payment fees on their account.
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau has also warned about fraudsters who are cold calling people and posing as being from a firm of solicitors.
Examples of this scam include offering PPI refunds, accident fraud, stating that people are entitled to compensation and lottery scams saying that the recipient has won a prize.
Detective Constable Julie Wheeldon, of the East Midlands Fraud and Financial Investigation Unit, said: "Although we are only aware of a very small proportion of victims in the Derbyshire area, it is important to identify the ways that fraudsters operate to help prevent people from becoming a victim of this type of fraud.
"Should you receive a call like this, make sure that the person who is calling is regulated or authorised by the Solicitors' Regulation Authority.
"Make sure that you do not release any personal information or banking details and certainly do not send any money."
For more information on the frauds, contact 101, the non-emergency number for Derbyshire police.
If you think that you have been a victim of the solicitor scam, you can also telephone Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
![Don't be lined up by cruel scammers in double Derbyshire phone cons]( "Don't be lined up by cruel scammers in double Derbyshire phone cons")
