SCAMMERS pretending to be from Amazon have been calling landlines in Kidderminster threatening to take money out of residents' bank accounts.

Police have received reports from homeowners who have received bogus phone calls from people claiming to be from Amazon, but this has been identified as a scam.

Issuing advice to residents, a spokesman for West Mercia Police said: "Don’t trust anyone who calls you about your bank details.

"Always hang up and wait 10 minutes to ensure the call has disconnected before calling 101.

"To check the caller is legitimate, find their telephone number via directory enquiries, ensure the line is clear, use a different phone where possible."

Officers are also urging residents to make elderly relatives and neighbours aware of the scam.

A police spokesman added: "Please remind them that a police officer will never call them and ask for bank details or money.

"If the crime is still in progress - if for example you have recently provided bank details or handed over cards or cash, or the caller has arranged for someone to visit your address to collect items - you should call the police to report this on 101.

"In an emergency dial 999."