Never give out personal financial information during unsolicited communications.

Police are issuing this reminder following reports of a credit card scam which could leave you out of pocket for Christmas.

It works by getting people to divulge the security code on the back of their bank card.

A business-like and authentic sounding caller, claiming to be from a credit card company, states that unusual purchase patterns have been noticed on your account and you will therefore be sent a credit.

They then claim that in order to do so they need to check the three security numbers on the reverse of your card. When you give it, they say that is correct' and finish the call politely.

One local victim has reported that within 15 minutes of such a call an almost £500 purchase was charged to his account.

Gloucester Crime reduction officer PC Kevin Ireland said: "Legitimate banking organisations will never seek for you to divulge personal details in an unsolicited call. If you're suspicious about any communication by someone claiming to represent such a company, contact them yourself using the number displayed on their website or documentation before giving away such details."

"Never disclose numbers such as your PIN or credit card number," he added.