A WARNING has been issued to residents over a TV licensing scam targeting members of the public.

Action Fraud says the "ongoing" fraud campaign involves residents being sent a fake email designed to steal their personal and financial information.

In the last 11 months, Action Fraud has been made aware of more than 900 crime reports worth a total of £830,000.

It has issued the following warnings:

• Don’t click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails and never respond to messages that ask for your personal or financial details.

• Don’t assume a phone call or email is authentic, even if someone knows your basic details (such as your name or address). Remember, criminals can spoof phone numbers and email addresses to appear as companies you know and trust, such as TV Licensing.

• Your bank will never call and ask you for your PIN, full banking password, or ask you to transfer money out of your account.

Anyone who is concerned that they may have been the victim of fraud or cyber crime can contact Action Fraud on 0300 1232040 or visit actionfraud.police.uk.