Island residents are being warned to be aware of a new scam.

An advert appeared in the local press around TT fortnight inviting people to become a '"mystery shopper' to earn extra money.

Those who replied were asked to contact an email address and received information on the terms of their 'employment', also asking for personal details.

Detective Sergeant Mike Venables from the Financial Crime Unit says this would have been enough in itself to steal the victim's identity but the object was actually to defraud them of money by sending a fake cheque.