South Wales Police have issued a statement about a scam going around the area involving fraudsters pretending to be police.

They stated on Facebook: ''We're reminding people about a scam in which fraudsters pretend to be from the police in a bid to steal large sums of money.

''We are aware of incidents where people have had a phone call from a fraudster pretending to be a police officer, and who claims the person they're calling has been defrauded or had their card used to buy a high-value item.

''This fraudster then asks the person on the other end of the phone to dial 999 to verify that what is being claimed is true.

''However, the fake police officer holds the line so that it is actually a fellow fraudster on the other end of the call.

''In these scams, criminals may also ask for details of bank accounts, card PINs or bank statements, or for cash to be withdrawn with a view to it being collected.''

• Our message to the public is that the police will NEVER ask you for any of these details, to transfer or withdraw money, or to take part in an investigation.

• All calls of this type are a scam.

• Anyone receiving such calls should hang up as soon as possible and report it to us via 101, or by dialling 999 in an emergency.

• However, when reporting a suspicious phone call to us, wait at least five minutes before dialling, or call from a different number. This will ensure you're not reconnected to the offender