PETROL stations in Swindon have been targeted by a credit card fraudster claiming to work for the police.

The man telephoned five petrol stations across the Swindon area using a withheld telephone number yesterday asking for details of a particular Visa credit card, which he said had been used in a fraud.

Unable to find the specific credit card number the man was looking for, the petrol staff were asked to read out the full details of each card transaction from the day.

However all five petrol stations refused to provide the information and no credit card details were given out.

Inspector Mark Power, of Wiltshire Police, said: "We have had similar incidents like this where people have pretended to be from credit card companies asking for details.

"Obviously this person pretending to be a police officer puts a new spin on an old crime.

"I want to reassure members of the public that the police do not operate in this manner, and we never ask for credit cards or security details to be passed on over the telephone."

Police are warning petrol stations and other retailers to be on their guard against such scams.

Anyone contacted by the bogus caller should phone Swindon Police on 01793 528111.