Police in Selby are warning residents and businesses to be on alert following several reports of a man tricking people into handing over goods or cash by pretending to have sent them a bank transfer.

According to North Yorkshire Police, the suspect has been targeting local businesses, including hairdressers and takeaways, by claiming he will pay via bank transfer.

He then shows a convincing screenshot as “proof” of payment, but when the victims later checked their accounts, the money never arrived.

In one recent incident, a member of the public using a cash machine was asked for money to pay for a Taxi, and the suspect again claimed he would transfer the cash and displayed a screenshot of the transaction.

When the transfer failed to appear, the would-be victim refused to hand over any money, and the suspect was left empty-handed.

The police are urging people not to give money to anyone who approaches them in this way, no matter how genuine or persuasive they may seem.

Officers also encourage residents to look out for older or more vulnerable neighbours who could be potentially targeted.

Anyone who believes they have been approached or scammed is asked to contact police on 101 or report online via the North Yorkshire Police website.

Always call 999 in an emergency or if you feel threatened.