2 September 2010 Last updated at 10:33 ET

South Wales Police warn over bank charge scam

Householders have been warned about a telephone scam in which people are offered help to recover bank charges.

South Wales Police say there have been a number of incidents in the Swansea and Neath Port Talbot areas.

The scam involves telephone calls offering to help reclaim overpaid bank charges, for a fee.

Police said that people should never hand over their bank or personal details.

Tony Pain from the force's western division said: "There is little doubt that this is a scam by unscrupulous people in order to obtain money.

"Under no circumstances should anybody who receives a call, disclose any details, banking or otherwise."

Police were alerted by a number of home owners who had been contacted and told that their bank had overcharged them substantial amounts of money.

The individuals were then asked to provide their own bank details and personal information, after being told their accounts would be credited once they paid a fee, either by a standing order of through their local post office.

The police said that in these cases, fortunately, no information had been handed over.

"My advice to anyone who is contacted and is uncertain as what to do, they should contact the police or trading standards department," added Mr Pain.

Anyone who has received a call or has relevant information can contact police in Swansea on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.