A police force is urging the public keep their details secure after reports of a nationwide scam affecting anyone of working age.

Fraudsters claim to offer low cost government loans and instead use unsuspecting victims' personal details to apply for Universal Credit.

Victims are requested to give a substantial advance payment, a cut of which fraudsters take for themselves.

As a result any current benefits will be stopped and replaced by Universal Credit.

They will then be required to pay back the so-called loan in full from future Universal Credit payments.

Greater Manchester Police put out several alerts on social media about the con which is particularly prevalent in the North West.

TOP STORIES:

@GMPAltrincham tweeted: "The scam is targeted at anyone of working age. Never give personal or financial information to anyone you do not know."

The force warned personal information will also have been compromised as scammers have access to their benefit account and banking information.

While the scam has been reported to Trading Standards anyone who has been affected should contact Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or by visiting https://crowd.in/cLwPey