POLICE are warning people to be on their guard against telephone scammers after a victim had their bank account cleared.

A Bury resident was contacted by an offender purporting to be calling from BT.

They were kept on the phone for two hours by the scammer while their bank account was remotely accessed and emptied.

Thankfully the victim's bank was able to return their cash.

Following the incident, GMP Bury South have issued a warning about scammers on social media.

If you have been scammed or are concerned about a potential scam there are several organisations you can report this to.

Reporting scams can help track down offenders and prevent other people from falling victim.

Scams can taken numerous forms, including online, such as through social media, emails and websites; and offline, such doorstepping or telephone scams.

The Citizens Advice Bureau advises that victims take steps to protect themselves from further risks and gather all the details of the scam.

You should include:

- Who contacted you – such as names, numbers and addresses if you have them

- What has raised your suspicions

- What information you shared – such as passwords, PINs, or bank details

- Whether you paid money

- How you paid – such as credit card or bank transfer

You should then contact the police on 101, especially if you have transferred money to a scammer in the last 24 hours or if the scammer is in your area.

Call 999 if you feel threatened or unsafe.

Alternatively call Action Fraud 0300 123 2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk/reporting-fraud-and-cyber-crime.

To report a scam to Citizens Advice call 0300 330 3003 for online scams or 03454 04 05 06 for offline scams.

If you have been scammed through the post contact the Royal Mail on 0800 011 3466 or email scam.mail@royalmail.com