IF it seems too good to be true it probably is, a senior Wiltshire cyber detective has said.

Det Insp Gemma Vinton runs the new digital investigations and intelligence unit. Based at Wiltshire Police’s Devizes headquarters, it helps detectives in the county tackle the criminals targeting people and business computer networks.

Tech-savvy Ms Vinton has been brought in after spending more than a decade policing Swindon and investigating serious crimes as a CID detective.

Her advice to those worried about becoming victims of web criminals is to exercise caution and never use the same password twice.

She said: “Using different passwords may sound like something you hear a lot and I think sometimes people think it is generic advice. But it’s actually really important.

“A lot of cyber crime looks to attack vulnerabilities in systems.

“If you use the same password for all your online accounts and it is a fairly weak password, then it’s easy for them to exploit rather than strong passwords unique to each site.”

As well as attempting to trick their victims into handing over cash or personal details, the cyber criminals also attempt to get access to their computers, tablet or mobile phones with a view to using them in a massive hacker attack on a company or state.

Ms Vinton warned: “If you get an email with an attachment don’t open it if you don’t know the source. If you get an email asking you to phone a number in relation to a bank or company, don’t phone that number. Get it from a credible source.”

She said a member of her team was able to give online safety talks to businesses or groups, while volunteers from the Bobby Van could help members of the public with tips to keep themselves protected from would-be hacker attacks.

Cyber frauds should be reported to the national Action Fraud helpline on 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Businesses or groups interested in contacting Wiltshire Police’s digital investigations team for online safety advice should email DIIU@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk.