SCAMMERS have been using the name of a council service to take money from elderly residents in Somerset.

Sedgemoor District Council (SDC) run a service for elderly and vulnerable residents called Lifeline.

They are warning people to take care after two elderly customers were victims of a telephone call scam.

One 89-year-old customer received a call saying if she wanted to keep her lifeline account, she would need to reset her direct debit again or the service would be disconnected.

The customer was flustered and gave the caller her bank details.

Soon after, £98 was taken from her account.

Luckily, family members quickly contacted the bank and got her money back.

Another customer, who is 97-years-old also received the call, but she hung up.

She then did a test to make sure the equipment was working and to check she was still in the system.

She then called SDC to double check.

"Our advice is that we would never call to say the system is being disconnected," said a spokesperson for SDC.

"Never give out personal or financial information.

"Just one call to our 24/7 friendly Lifeline staff on 01278 435776 who will put your mind at rest."