Leek and Staffordshire residents have been urged to remain vigilant following a recent increase in mobile phone scams involving callers claiming to be police officers.

Staffordshire Police say perpetrators are calling people's phones and claiming to be a Police Sergeant, stating that the caller is a victim of financial fraud.

The caller will then be asked to provide bank details or transfer money in-order to be safeguarded from theft.

Recent trends also suggest scammers are targeting victims by sending SMS and text messages.

Staffordshire Police is now aiming to spread the word that members of the public will never be asked by officers to provide bank details or transfer funds over the phone.

Emma Ray, Staffordshire Police Communications Officer, said: "If you receive a call like this, you are advised to hang-up and contact the relevant neighbourhood policing team which the caller is stating to be working in.

"If you have access to another mobile device, consider using this to call Action Fraud, as some scammers may have a method of staying on the line.

"Contact us on 101, Facebook or Twitter. In an emergency, always dial 999.

"If you think you've been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040."