Police are warning the public to be aware of phone scammers posing as police officers

There have been reports of Kiwis contacted over the phone claiming to be from a particular police department, being told they're a scam or fraud victim, and then try to get financial information.

Spokesperson Craig Bolton says these calls are being made to landlines, often coming from overseas.

He says legitimate officers may contact people as part of their duties, but never for getting financial information.