POLICE have issued advice to residents to protect themselves from fraud.

Cumbria Police are urging people to remain vigilant of scammers, both online and in person.

A spokesman for Cumbria Police said: "Don't click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to unsolicited messages and calls that ask for your personal or financial details.

"If you're making a purchase from a company or person you don't know and trust, carry out some research first, and ask a friend or family member for advice before completing the purchase.

"Don't click on the links or attachments in suspicious emails, and never respond to unsolicited messages.

"Cold calls normally by telephone from people who claim to be working for an agency such as the Police, HMIC, a bank, or similar. Victims are led to believe that their money is at risk or that they owe money.

"They are persuaded into withdrawing money, transferring money into 'safe accounts' or purchasing iTunes vouchers in order to pass the serial numbers of them over to the offender."

If you are a victim of fraud that is a crime in progress and you need an immediate police response dial 999.