POLICE fear a bogus company may be targeting elderly people by telephone, asking them for their credit card details after saying that they have won £1m in a competition.

The company, which calls itself Pacific Coast International, contacts elderly people in their homes by telephone, telling them they have been selected to win a jackpot prize of £1m.

The caller then asks for credit card details so that £400 can be taken from the "winner's" account.

Darlington police have received three complaints about the company, but officers believe there may be more people who have been contacted.

Detective Sergeant Alec Francis said in each incident a man with an American accent made the call.

He said: "So far a crime has not been committed because the people targeted have been suspicious and contacted us.

"This may well be a legitimate company, but we are fairly certain it isn't local and we are warning people, especially the elderly and vulnerable, to be wary."

Anyone who receives a similar call is requested to contact Det Sgt Francis on (01325) 742108.