Police have released a warning about fraudsters via their new community messaging system.

Essex Police sent out the warning on Friday about tricksters persuading unsuspecting victims to give out personal details by purporting to be from BT.

BT is warning customers that fraudsters are sending out phishing emails, which if replied to, may result in account and password details to be stolen.

The fraudsters may threaten to disconnect customers after calling them about alleged unpaid bills or send emails asking for personal details.

The multinational company reminds its customers they never send emails asking for sensitive information.

If a customer receives an email claiming to be from BT asking for personal details, it is likely to be a phishing email.

BT is advising customers not to click on links or reply to the email and not to try to contact senders at all.

Customers should not supply any information on websites in the email or open any attachments.

If customers have already given their email password or username to the phishing scam, they should change their password and contact BT.

If anyone has lost money through becoming a victim to the scam, they should contact Action Fraud.