Fraudsters target people with poor credit ratings.

Police in Honiton are urging residents not to be taken in by internet fraudsters.

Scammers are using the internet to target people with poor credit ratings, who may find it difficult to borrow money.

Police Community Support Officer Darren England said: “These loans can appear very attractive as a way of dealing with a desperate money situation.

“Remember, if anyone asks for money up front, don’t sign up. And if the rates look too good to be true, they probably are.”

As part of the scam, fraudsters contact the customer by telephone and usually request initial payment and administration fees be paid up front.

After the money is transferred, no loan is received.

Police say the scammers are likely to be based abroad and the most recent frauds use 020 numbers, but are based in India.

They also use transfer agents such as Western Union or MoneyGram.

Anyone who has been a victim of internet fraud is urged to call police on 101.