DON'T be caught by Internet con artists who go "phishing" for your credit card details, Wiltshire police have warned.

'Phishing' is the name given to the creation of false websites, telephone numbers set up by criminals in an attempt to persuade people to part with confidential information. There have been a number of attempts which have been well documented including e-mails allegedly from the major banks and credit card companies being sent to the public, asking for confirmation of banking and card details.

Detective Inspector Paul Ginger, head of Wiltshire's fraud squad, said: "No bank or company will ask for these details as they already have them. If anyone is in any doubt they are advised to phone their local branch and speak to a member of staff. Do not use any numbers given on the messages. Do not provide any information to these sites or callers."