A FACEBOOK scam has claimed more than 20 victims in Middlesbrough alone, police have warned.

Victims are messaged on the social networking site and informed they can earn money quickly.

The messages appear to be from someone on the user’s friends list but in fact it is a hacker.

Those targeted are asked to hand over their bank details on the understanding they could earn between £300 and £700.

Loans are then obtained in their name and in many cases, the suspect has picked the victim up in their car and taken them to a cash machine to withdraw money on the promise they will receive more in their account overnight.

The scam has been operating since at least March this year, with police receiving more than 20 reports relating to it.

Cleveland Police have urged the public to exercise common sense and never disclose their bank details to or get into a car with anyone they do not know.

Police are also keen to trace a large silver saloon style vehicle with blacked out windows which was seen on The Greenway in Thorntree in Middlesbrough between 5.30pm and 6.30pm on Monday November 5.

Anyone with information is asked to contact PC Stephen Clyburn of Middlesbrough Police on the non-emergency 101 number or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.