The Isle of Man Constabulary have received several reports that Island residents have received unsolicited telephone calls telling them that they have ‘won’ a free holiday. The caller then goes on to state that the winner simply has to pay the associated administration/taxes to take up the offer and requests bank or credit card details. In at least one case a resident has found that their bank account has subsequently been debited to the sum of ?800. Constable Radcliffe, the force Crime Reduction Officer, stated: ‘It is unclear at this stage as to whether or not these calls are originating from a genuine company. However, as in all cases where residents receive unexpected telephone calls making similar offers, I would strongly advise that you should never disclose any financial information such as bank or credit card details. Be on your guard. If the offer sound too good to be true then it probably is! Further advice can be obtained by contacting Police Headquarters on 631212 or from the Office of Fair Trading on 686500’. ENDS