SOUTHAMPTON residents are being urged to hang up on a phone scam which is sweeping the city.

Trading Standards bosses say they receive up to ten complaints a week about a recorded phone message that's been around for a while but which has suddenly struck hard in Southampton.

Homeowners will pick up the phone to a recorded message, telling them they have won a holiday or car - and asking them to press 9 to be connected to a premium rate number.

The number can cost up to £1.50 a minute or, if the call is coming in from overseas, sometimes even more.

Phone calls with recorded messages can even come through to mobile phones - and people have fallen victim to the scam when they phone back a number that's come up as a missed call.

Clive Robinson, from Southampton City Council's trading standards, said: "The trouble is that if you're dialling 9 to be connected, you don't know what the number is that you are calling.

"If it's a premium rate number it will start with 0900, but an overseas number will start with 00 and connect you to an expensive line in another country."

He added: "We have been receiving about nine queries a week about this type of thing - and I know I've certainly had calls to my mobile as well."

Mr Robinson advised phone owners to hang up immediately or speak to their phone line provider to install a filter system or preference service.