POLICE are warning of a new online scam in which people are sent their own passwords to trick them.

Greater Manchester Police's Economic Crime Unit have sent out an alert to warn potential victims about the scam, which is said to have targeted thousands of people.

The scheme involves cyber criminals sending victims an email which contains their accurate and up-to-date password in an attempt to make them believe they have been filmed on their computer watching online pornography.

The scammers then demand money through the crypto currency Bitcoin.

Action Fraud, the national fraud and cyber crime reporting group, says it has received a large number of reports about the scam and has contacted multiple people to confirm that the passwords attached to the emails are accurate.

If you are a victim of this kind of fraud, police have asked that you contact a representative from Action Fraud. You can report fraud or cyber crime to Action by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting: www.actionfraud.police.uk.