A Kilbirnie mum wants to warn others about cold callers after she was targeted by PPI scammers.

The resident, who did not wish to be identified, said: “I’ve had five calls regarding PPI that I’ve never claimed for.

Every time it’s £1,900 they’re offering, but you have to pay a £10 deposit first.

“I’ve got a blacklist on my phone but somehow they use different numbers. I’m not falling for something like that, but they could be calling elderly people.”

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Cold callers target some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“They are cold and calculating and utterly devoid of any morals whatsoever. We would urge the lady in question to getin touch and we can offer her advice.

“We have a limit ed number of call blocking machines which our Trading Standards team are happy to install. These have made a huge difference to the lives of some of our most vulnerable residents.

"While we can’t offer everyone one of these machines, we would urge people to sign up if their telephone provider provides a free call screening service, or to purchase a Call Blocking phone.”