A man claiming to be a police chief inspector has attempted to scam a West Oxfordshire resident over the phone.

Using an anonymous number, the man told the resident he was a detective chief inspector with the surname of Watt from Hampshire Police.

He continued to say that he had a young man in custody for cloning a credit card in their name.

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He added that the young man claimed she was his Aunt.

The resident asked for a description of the young man but the details did not match up.

She was then told in order to alleviate her suspicions she should hang up and dial 999 and state it was not an emergency and ask them to verify his details.

The resident then hung up with Thames Valley Police confirming no officer would make an enquiry like over the phone.

A Thame Valley Police spokesperson said: “No police officer or member of police staff will make this kind of enquiry over the phone, potentially requesting to a disclosure of your personal information.

“Additionally, if you are requested to hang up and make another call to police, it is likely to be the same or another scammer, as the call will not have been cleared by the scammer and you are simply still on the same scam call.

“These tend to be via landlines where this is easier to do. If you are ever unsure then hang up, and if possible from a mobile call us on 101 to report.”