WILTSHIRE police are warning people to be on their guard against websites, emails and phone calls designed to rip off the public.
Phishing is the name given to the creation of the sites and telephone numbers which persuade people to part with confidential information.
E-mails, allegedly from banks and credit card companies asking for confirmation of banking and card details have been sent to people in the county.
The police say no bank or company will ask for these details, as they already have them.
If anyone is in any doubt they are advised to phone their local branch and not any number on the messages.
A police spokeswoman said: "Even the head of the Fraud Squad, Det Ins Paul Ginger has received an e-mail purporting to be from a US Bank sent to his work e-mail address asking for personal information."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article