ILKLEY businessmen have been targeted in a scam which has seen their bank accounts and mobile phones hacked.

Now police are warning all Ilkley residents to look after their personal information to prevent themselves becoming victims of the scam.

The victims contacted police when they noticed suspicious activity with their bank accounts and their mobile phones had been disconnected, while another reported that some of his mail had been stolen.

The first incident was reported on Tuesday, October 28, when a businessman from Ilkley noticed new standing orders had been set up to come out of his bank account. He later realised his mobile phone had also been disconnected.

On Wednesday, November 5, a businessman from Addingham contacted the police after he became aware that new bank cards and PIN numbers had been requested for his account.

The following day, a postman was approached in Ilkley by a man in a coat, who asked him if he could have the mail.

The man showed the postman some identification and three letters were handed over. The victim later found his mobile phone had been disconnected.

Police investigating these incidents believe they may be linked and are keen to speak to this man, who is black, about 5ft 6ins tall and of stocky build. He is believed to be about 30.

He was wearing a long black coat, a coloured scarf and trousers and wearing black, square-framed glasses.

Police would also like to speak to a woman, who is also believed to be involved. She was white with waist-length brown hair tied in a ponytail.

She is believed to be in her 20s and was wearing blue jeans and brown suede knee-high boots and carrying a Louis Vuitton handbag.

She is also described as having a southern accent which may be from London or Essex.

They are believed to be using a black BMW One Series car, which is described as having ‘M Sport’ wheels.

Sergeant Julie Boardman, of the Keighley Area Neighbourhood Team, said: “I would ask all residents, particularly those in the Ilkley area, to take care of their personal information and to make sure that any documents containing information which could be used for fraudulent purposes are disposed of in a manner so they cannot be used again.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.