THE public are wising up to scammers after three attempts failed thanks to intended witnesses’ vigilance.

The three attempts took place in Eastbourne last week all failed, but it has prompted Eastbourne Police to remind people to be on their guard against telephone tricksters.

In each case, intended victims were called by someone purporting to be a police officer and seeking to obtain personal bank details.

None of those contacted fell for the scam and no details were provided. A police spokeman said: “Police advice is that no genuine official would seek such information over the phone.

“Anyone contacted in suspicious circumstances should not divulge any details and nor should they use their phone to try to contact their bank or police.

“Fraudsters are known to keep the line open and then pretend to be an official in order to glean vital information. This is then used to obtain money.

“Instead, anyone suspecting a scam should use a mobile or a friend's phone to dial 999 and inform police, quoting Operation Edisto.”