The Metropolitan Police in Bromley have warned residents about a phone scam in the Beckenham area on Monday (October 28).

Police urged residents not to provide card details over the phone and issued advice to prevent people falling prey to the scheme.

The scammers reportedly impersonated police from Watford, urging their targets to hand over card information.

Around 4pm, a spokesperson for Met Police Bromley provided further details:

"We are aware of a scam in the Beckenham area today where someone calls stating they are from Watford Police Station and trying to obtain details on the pretext that a card has been cloned.

"Please keep personal and bank details secure and do not give these out over the phone," the spokesperson said.

The Met Police Bromley Twitter account meanwhile directed residents to a online police resource where key information on avoiding card scams is provided.

The advice on the webpage includes the following suggestions:

"Your bank and the police will never ring and ask you to verify your PIN, withdraw cash or purchase high-value goods. They’ll also never come to your home to collect your card, cash or purchased items.

"If you get a call like this, end the call.

"If you get a call from your bank or the police, make sure you know who the person is before handing over any personal details.

"You can do this by calling your bank (the number on the back of your card) or the police (101) on a different phone line. If you're deaf or hard of hearing, use our textphone service on 18001 101."

The Met Police were contacted for further comment by Newsshopper.