A bank has warned customers of an increase in scams designed to trick people into revealing confidential information or transferring cash.

The caution from HSBC Bermuda came after police revealed last December that people had been swindled out of almost $4 million by internet crooks last year.

A bank spokesman said: “We would like to add our voice to recent messages provided by the Bermuda Police Service, warning the public that these types of fraudsters are growing increasingly active and sophisticated.

“We would again remind individuals that we will never ask you to share sensitive information by e-mail or text message.”

He added that the bank was aware that people had received unsolicited text messages that claimed to be from HSBC.

A spokesman said: “These may contain links to websites asking the individual to provide confidential, personal or financial information.”

HSBC customers who get a suspicious message said to be from the bank or who believe that they have responded to a message sent by a fraudster should get in touch with the bank’s contact centre on 299-5959.

Advice and updates are posted on the HSBC Twitter account and Facebook page.