Dyfed-Powys Police is warning people not to fall victim to an online dating scam, which targeted a female in the Tenby area.

The force has had a complaint from a member of the community who used a dating site and was contacted by a person claiming to be an American soldier called Lt Brian Rivera.

After engaging in conversations over a period of a month, she sent money valued at nearly £4,500 to an address in America, supposedly paying for flights for the soldier to come and visit her in Britain.

However, he failed to arrive and when she re-contacted his 'site', another soldier, Lt Troy said that he had been kidnapped and there was a £5,000 ransom.

At this stage, the victim realised she had been 'scammed'.

PC Mandy Cresswell said: "We are urging members of the community in Pembrokeshire to be vigilant following this scam. Please stop and think carefully before engaging with people you don't know on websites and handing over money - and remember, if it looks too good to be true then it probably is.

"We always warn the public that they should never deal with unidentifiable people or traders, in person and online. I would also like to take this opportunity to remind people not to disclose any personal bank details to anyone and remember to shred any documents containing confidential information."

If you have information regarding this type of criminal activity, call Dyfed-Powys Police on the non-emergency number 101.