Fraudsters from oversees have been calling residents, claiming to be from local banking institutions, requesting personal information.

The Police Fraud Unit is reminding members of the public not to give out personal or financial information to unknown persons over the phone, by fax or e-mail. A press release issued by Police stated: "We are aware that recently local residents have apparently been receiving phone calls from overseas with the caller claiming to be from a local banking institution.

"The caller then attempts to get the local resident to 'verify' their banking details and/or personal information."

The release further stated: "The Fraud Unit would like to make it clear once again that local financial institutions would have no need to contact a client of theirs for this information because they already have it."