RESIDENTS are being urged to watch what they say in the latest telephone scam.

A crook using a plausible American accent is telephoning Teessiders, telling them they are lucky competition winners - and asking for credit card details.

Cleveland Police gave the warning after a Thornaby woman, who was asked for by name, was told she had won a £4,000 holiday.

The woman put the phone down when the caller said she would have to pay a percentage of the cost of the holiday and asked for her credit card details.

Urging people to be on their guard, a force spokesman said: "The man was described as being very persuasive in his manner. Police would advise the public to act with caution if they receive a similar call."

They say credit card details should not be handed over in these circumstances.