A WARNING has been issued over a telephone scam.

Police said criminals are contacting people claiming to be calling on behalf of internet providers or phone companies and saying they have credited their account by accident.

They then ask people to access their online banking account so that they can recover the money. When the resident logs into their online banking the criminals take control of the computer and transfer any money. In one case £5,000 was taken.

A force spokesman said: “Please be extra vigilant when receiving calls and if in doubt, hang up and make contact with the named company and your bank via the official websites and telephone numbers.”