Police in Cumbria have warned residents in the county of a new telephone scam that has been reported to them.

Cumbria Police have alerted residents in the county to a report they have received of a telephone scam in operation.

A spokesman for the police explained: "We have been made aware of a scam following a call from the member of the public in which they received a call from a male claiming the victim was going to receive a sum of money and quoted a code.

"The male then said a cheque would be delivered to her but to release the funds the victim would need to buy a gift card from a local shop and referred to specific shops near to the victims home address."

Luckily, the victims of this scam did not hand over any details to the scammer.

Police are reminding county residents to always be suspicious when receiving a call that is not expected.

Never give bank account details or PIN numbers over the phone.

Never withdraw money and send it via courier, taxi or by any other means.

Never send a bank card or any other personal property to someone claiming to represent a business via courier, taxi or by any other means.

"No reputable organisation would ask for payment of a bill or debt using vouchers or gift cards," the police spokesman added.

"You should never reveal the codes on vouchers or gift cards you have purchased apart from entering them on official websites as full or part payment for goods or services.

"We ask that the public please share this information with any vulnerable friends or family."

"If you think you have been the victim of a fraud you can report this to police on 101 and to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040."