A fraudster pretending to be a Met Police officer has been scamming Suffolk residents by claiming to have a suspect in custody with their credit car details.

Suffolk police is urging people to be alert for scams after several people were contacted by the caller.

A police spokesman said: “Fraudsters are typically stating that they have a suspect in custody that has a number of credits cards with their details on.

“The caller then asks the person on the telephone to confirm their credit card details over the phone.”

Suffolk police have offered the following advice:

•Your bank or the police will never ask you to withdraw money or purchase items.

•Your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN, bank card or bank account details over the phone – never give these details out.

•If you receive such a call leave the landline for at least five minutes to make an outside call. Fraudsters will keep the line open and have been known to play ring tones, hold music and a recorded message down the phone so the victim believes they are making a call to a legitimate number.

•Use a friend or neighbour’s telephone instead.

•Friends, family, carers and neighbours are asked to spread the word to ensure everyone is aware of this scam and what they should do.

•For advice on keeping yourself safe against scams, please visit Suffolk police’s crime advice page•Alternatively, report incidents of fraud to Action Fraud using their online reporting tool or by calling 0300 1232040.

•You can also sign up to the Trading Standards weekly email alert on rogues and scams targeting Suffolk.