POLICE have issued a warning after a fake debt collector claiming to work for Telstra deceived a Ballarat man into handing over a "large sum" of money.The man was confronted by the "collector" last Monday, May 18, at his Talbot St home. The collector, using a copy of the occupant's bill, offered to help arrange a repayment plan for an outstanding amount and would accept cash on the day.Ballarat Police Constable Joel Dash said the man realised he had been duped when Telstra never contacted him about making future repayments."He spoke to the owner about an outstanding phone bill he had with Telstra and asked if the victim could make a one-off payment in a lump sum towards the bill and a repayment plan would be organised later," he said. "The fake debt collector had a copy of his bill, so people need to be aware of mail theft, and identity theft."If you are approached asking for cash on the day, seek advice from the company. Don't hand any money over. Ask for proper identification and if you think something is suspicious get as much detail as you can, like a (car) registration or contact us."Telstra Country Wide south west Victoria area general manager Bill Mundy said Telstra did not use debt collectors to reclaim outstanding amounts."All Telstra employees are required to wear identification, which is required to be clearly visible," he said."Ask for identification and if they can't provide it you should not enter into any agreement or provide anything to them."Const Dash said the concern was the collector could claim to represent other utility companies.Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or Ballarat Police on 5336 6000.