AYRSHIRE Police Division are warning the public to be aware of scam phone calls.

Cops are urging locals to be aware of automated bogus telephone calls from people claiming to be from Amazon Prime.

The force say that the fraudsters have pinched over £1million from victims in the UK so far.

The warning comes as Action Fraud have received over 500 complaints all relating to supposed annual Prime subscriptions.

Police say that recipients are asked to ‘dial one’ to cancel the automated payment.

They are then transferred to a ‘service representative’, who then convinces the caller to provide them with remote access to computer equipment or discuss bank details over the phone.

PC Marshall, Safer Communities Officer, said: “Bogus callers are often very convincing – they are skilled in what they do.

“Unfortunately, telephone scams are not unusual, and people are often caught out by the plausible nature of the person on the other end of the line.

“This is a well-known scam across the UK and we would like to take this opportunity to remind people to stay vigilant and to think twice if they are ever offered something that is too good to be true or when they receive an unexpected call.”

Police are also urging locals to consider making your phone number ex-directory, as well as reminding those to never provide bank or personal details over the phone unless you are the person who started the call.

The public can contact the local trading standards service for advice on approved ‘call blocking’ technology.

Anyone who experiences similar calls should follow the above tips or report the matter by calling 101.