THE police and crime commissioner (PCC) for Avon and Somerset Police is warning people about fake emails purporting to be from mortgage lenders.

In a two-week period, Action Fraud received 538 reports about emails that claim to offer limited-time deals on low rate mortgages. The links in the emails led to websites that steal personal and financial information.

PCC Mark Shelford said: “Heartless criminals are taking advantage of people’s concerns relating to their mortgages by offering rates as 'low as 2.39%' to lure people into phishing scams.

“The websites set up by criminals disguise themselves as a trustworthy source in order to steal personal and financial data for their own gain. We need to let as many people know that such scams are circulating to ensure we prevent people from falling victim.

“Remember, if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Residents are urged to contact the organisation directly if they have doubts.

If you have spotted or received a suspicious email, you can forward it to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) – report@phishing.gov.uk.