DESPITE a recent drop in credit and debit card fraud, an MP has told his constituents to be wary about giving out personal details.

John Cummings, who represents the Easington constituency, said that in line with the rest of the UK, card fraud had dropped in the region, but he said there was no room for complacency.

Speaking after the publication of last year's card fraud figures, which revealed an overall three per cent drop, Mr Cumming warned: "I urge everyone to remain vigilant about taking care of personal financial information.

"People need to take common-sense precautions, such as looking after cards and personal identification numbers, checking the website you're shopping on is secure and following up on any missing post from your bank or utility company.

"If you are an innocent victim of fraud you will be refunded, but being a victim is never a pleasant experience.

"Your personal details are valuable to others - take care of important documents and treat all your paperwork and bills as confidential information."

Card fraud fell from £439.4m in 2005 to £428m last year. Fraud in the North-East decreased to £6.3m from £7.3m in the same period.