POLICE are warning residents to be vigilant after several people were targeted in a phone scam.

Hampshire Constabulary say residents in the Winchester have reported phone calls from a person claiming to be from Microsoft.

The person asked them for access to their computer before telling them they needed to make a payment and ask for card details so £12 could be taken from their account.

But they later discovered that a much larger amount had actually been requested, but was stopped by the card providers.

Police are warning people about the calls and advising anyone who receives a suspicious call to refuse to hand over any money or bank details.

They are also asking that people inform elderly relatives or neighbours.

If a caller asks to be called back, you should hang up and call the company they are claiming to be from using a different phone, or waiting at least five minutes if you do not have another phone.

Anyone who has received one of the calls should immediately call the police on 999 if a crime is in progress or 101 afterwards.