Sgt Lucy McNeill of Whitby police said that on 5pm last Monday night, a man claiming to be collecting for Cancer Research called at an address at Auckland Way in Whitby.

He is described as a white male in his mid 20s, 5ft 8in, of medium build with short cropped hair.

He was wearing a blue Cancer Research jumper and dirty trainers. He was let into the house by the occupants and started trying to obtain bank details.

A bogus caller also called at a house in Runswick Avenue, Whitby, claiming to be from a company called Optima.

He had no ID and no literature for the company he claimed to work for.

Police were notified by trading standards about this incident which took place on Friday 26 February.

Sgt McNeill said: "I want to make people aware to not let people into their houses unless they make sure that they have valid ID at the doorstep.

"Anyone with any concerns should close the door and ring to check their credentials are legitimate."

Anyone with any information please call Whitby police on (0845) 6060247.