By Andrew Clarke

Last updated 15:42, Wednesday, 05 November 2008

CUMBRIA Police have issued a warning to hoteliers and B&B owners against giving their credit card details over the phone.

This comes after officers received further reports of bogus phone calls from a man purporting to be from Cumbria Constabulary.

Over the last month, a man claiming to be a detective sergeant from Carlisle, has telephoned a number of hotels and bed and breakfast establishments across the county, stating that he is investigating credit card fraud and requires card details.

Police have received reports of five incidents to date and upon investigation it was discovered that the officers named do not work for Cumbria Constabulary and this may have been an attempt at credit card fraud.

Officers have urged the public not to give credit card details over the phone without proof of who they are speaking to – even if the caller purports to work for the police. If in doubt contact Cumbria Constabulary on 0845 33 00 247.