We’ve had some concerning reports that fraudsters are contacting elderly residents by landline pretending to be from the police and advising their bank cards have been compromised.

If you have elderly relatives or neighbours, please make them aware and advise them to put the phone down on any suspicious callers.

We are also having reports of this happening in the Northwich area so please be vigilant the police would never ring you out of the blue and neither would your bank.

Here is some advice below.

Never provide personal or financial information to someone you don't know, especially over the phone.

If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately.

Contact your bank directly using a known and trusted phone number to verify any requests for money or sensitive information.

Never withdraw large sums of money based on instructions from someone claiming to be from the police or a bank.

If you think you have been a victim of courier fraud, contact the police immediately on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Remember, genuine organisations will never cold call you asking for this information. If you're ever in doubt, hang up and contact the organization directly using a known and trusted phone number.