More people expect parcels at Christmas, the council said

Cards have been put through doors from a firm called Postal Force saying they have tried to deliver a parcel.

The cards tell customers to ring a premium rate number which proceeds to cost �1.50 a minute.

The telephone number has already been shut down but trading standards is warning people to be aware of similar schemes which may appear.

"At this time of year, many consumers could be caught out as they are expecting parcels.

"If consumers do find a card through the door, they must think whether they have actually ordered something, read the card carefully and check the cost of the telephone call before contacting the courier," said councillor Bob Tidy, from the council.