A LEADING local construction company has issued a clarification statement after being plagued by fraudulent letters.

Speller Metcalfe, which is based on Malvern's Enigma Business Park and has projects nationwide, has taken the action following concerned calls from clients.

Finance director Mike Clarke explained: "Speller Metcalfe and some of our clients were subjected to a spate of letters in 2014 - some even followed up by phone calls - stating that we had changed our bank account details and to pay into our 'new' account. Luckily, on each occasion, the right checks were made and money did not pass into the wrong hands.

"However, we have again started to see an increase in fraudulent letters being sent to clients. Just this week two of our housing association clients being told to amend our bank details. Some of these letters are becoming more sophisticated, using company logos and project names and can seem convincing. We felt this was such an important issue we needed to send out an individual email to highlight the problem.

"I must point out Speller Metcalfe has not changed its bank details and has no intention of doing so in the near future. Should anyone receive a letter of this nature - related to Speller Metcalfe or another company - always make follow up checks to the relevant accounts department by phone call to verify. Please also notify us of any suspected fraudulent activity regarding Speller Metcalfe."