Police are urging members of the public to remain highly vigilant after a report of attempted fraud in south Belfast where scammers utilised the official Police Service of Northern Ireland switchboard number.

Inspector Walker said: "We received a report at around 4.20pm on Monday, 1st June that someone in the Cromwell Road area had received a call from a UK phone number matching the PSNI's switchboard number.

"The caller told the person there was an investigation linked to their name involving money transfers to narcotic-related countries and was subsequently asked to provide information about their bank cards.

"The caller then asked them to purchase gift cards and send across the codes for those, stating that this was part of the investigation process and that the money would be returned to them. This made the reporting party suspicious, however and, thankfully, the victim didn't share any of their personal or bank details with the caller, who they then blocked.

"This is a very concerning situation where the PSNI switchboard number was used to call someone in an attempt at fraudulent activity. "Our enquiries into this report remain ongoing and we would appeal to the public to be alert to potential scams such as these and to contact police – as well as their bank and Action Fraud – if they believe they've been a victim of fraud.

"Our advice is that you should never disclose your personal or financial details over the phone, in person, or by email, to someone you don't know. Guarding your personal and banking details is essential."

Remember: Stop. Check. Report.

Stop - Before you transfer money or disclose any personal details to anyone you do not know. Do not feel rushed or pressured by timelines - genuine callers will always give you time to consider your options.

Check - Check and verify who you are communicating with using a trusted source. Take time to verify callers on another phone line where possible and check images via an image search. If you are in any doubt do not transfer any money or goods.

Report - If you have been a victim of a scam, report it to police online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport or call on 101, to your bank immediately, online at www.actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040. You can also forward scam texts to 7726.

Information and advice is also available at www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni