A MOBILE phone card scam was pulled off in Swindon for the first time when a man swapped used cards for new at a post office after distracting the cashier.

The man, in his early 20s, went to Clive Parade Post Office and asked for £100 worth of T-MOBILE top-up cards.

The cashier handed over five £20 cards and was handed over a bundle of notes that came to £90.

He asked the customer for a further £10. The man said he didn't realise he didn't have the full amount and made a brief telephone call.

He then said he couldn't provide the extra cash, returned the cards to the cashier and left the post office.

The owner of the shop returned a short while later, became suspicious of the incident and made a check with T-MOBILE.

The company told him that the five cards had been 'downloaded' a few weeks earlier. It appears that the offender swapped the cards which were still in the cellophane wrapping with the security strip intact.

The suspect is described as male, black, mid to late 20s, of average height.

A police spokeswoman said: "This very clever scam is new to this area and we advise retailers to be aware.

"We would like to hear from retailers who may have been or are approached in a similar manner to contact Swindon Police on 01793 528111 or to call the confidential Crimestoppers line on 0800 555111."

The incident happened at 2.30pm on Tuesday