A NORTH-EAST family is warning Thomas Cook customers to remain vigilant against a 'refund' scam which is targetting holidaymakers caught up in the travel operator's collapse.

The family, from Stockton, were due to travel to Barbados later this year and were in the process of trying to get a refund on their dream trip when they were targeted by scammers.

Just minutes after making a genuine phone call to their insurance company, the family, who have asked to remain anonymous, were contacted and told to provide their card details and the security number on the back of a debit card and the refund would be processed.

The short time span between the calls nearly resulted in the family falling for the scam, and they are now urging others to be aware of the dangers.

"It is absolutely disgraceful that people have lost their jobs and people are losing money through cancelled holidays and they are being targeted by scammers.

"Normally we never fall for anything like this, but as it was so close to a genuine call that we made and because we were in a state of panic, it could have been so easy to fall for it.

"It makes you realise there are people out there in desperate situations, and elderly people, that could easily fall for it."

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary said: "Due to the unfortunate circumstances with Thomas Cook, there has been an increase in reports of Thomas Cook refund scams currently in circulation.

"Some people have been contacted via email or phone and asked for their financial details, in order to obtain a refund from Thomas Cook. Please make sure you remain vigilant.

"Be mindful if you receive an unsolicited email or phone call claiming that you are due a refund. Do not automatically click on links or attachments in unexpected emails.

"Legitimate organisations will never contact you out of the blue and ask for financial details, such as PIN, card details, or online banking password. Never give out your financial details, and if you get a call or email requesting these, report it as it is a scam.

"Thomas Cook customers should go to https://abta.com/thomascook for details on how to make a claim. If you receive any fraudulent calls or emails, please report them to Action Fraud via the website at www.actionfraud.police.uk, or via 0300 123 2040."

Police in Cleveland and North Yorkshire have also issued similar warnings about the scams.

Former executives of Thomas Cook are set to be dragged in front of MPs after a group of influential politicians launched an inquiry into the collapse of the travel business, which ceased operations on Monday, leaving more than 150,000 holidaymakers stranded across the globe.