CUMBRIAN residents have been warned of a telephone scam in which the caller claims to offer increased internet speeds.

Residents are being contacted at their home address by persons claiming to be from BT Open Reach.

The caller is claiming to offer services from BT Open Reach such as increased internet speeds and the calls often come a short time after residents have enquired about genuine BT services.

The caller is offering a refund to residents as compensation for poor internet speeds and in order to make that payment and to improve internet speeds they are requesting remote access to computers /laptops.

This is a scam and no refund or improved service is provided. Instead money is taken from the residents bank account without their knowledge.

A spokesperson for Cumbria Police said: "Members of the public are reminded to be vigilant, not to feel under pressure, to hang up the call if they are asked for any personal details, or access to their bank account and to report this to the police and Action Fraud.2