SCAMMERS claiming to be from the police are targeting Cumbrian businesses.

The con-artists call businesses claiming to be selling advertisement space for a website called communityguardian.co.uk - but police have confirmed that this is nothing to do with them, saying 'police would never request money from businesses or members of the public'.

Police advise people to ignore or hang up calls of this nature.

Inspector Jon Sherlock, Community Safety Unit, said: "Police officers will always identify themselves by name and the station they are attached to.

"Unfortunately there are people out there who will attempt to gain money fraudulently.

"I strongly advise anyone who receives calls like this to hang up immediately.

“If you are ever unsure if a call from the police is genuine, ask for the person’s name and then hang up.

"Using a different phone, as the caller may still be linked to yours, dial 101 and ask for that specific person – if they are genuine, the Communications Centre will be able to put you through to them."

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For more advice, please contact Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.org.uk or contact the Action Fraud Hotline on 0300 123 2040.