SUDBURY -- The Timmins Police Service has issued a public fraud advisory after they received at least 10 complaints about a phone scam demanding money from residents.

The scam involves robotic phone calls supposedly from representatives of provincial offences courts warning people arrest warrants will be issued if they don't pay up.

"The call demands that the recipient provide banking information or some other form of payment to avoid being arrested or having an arrest warrant generated in their name," Timmins police said in a news release.

"The Timmins Police Service is advising that this campaign is completely fictitious and an elaborate fraud focused on obtaining funds or personal banking information illegally."

Residents should know the government and police do not conduct business in this way on any level.

"Should anyone receive such a call, they are strongly advised not to provide any information and to report the matter directly and without delay to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Center at 1-888-495-8501."

Reports can be made online here.