PARENTS have been advised to speak to their children after police uncovered a scam in circulation targeting young people.

The text message has been sent to a number of mobile phones recently in the area.

The message reads: "You have been picked for a random phone scan by Warrington police.

"If you are under the age of 12 text your date of birth and certificate of proof.

"If you are 12 or over you will need to reply NO if you wish not to proceed and YES if you do.

"If you do not reply you will be seen as suspicious and your phone will be scanned."

The text message also includes the child's name.

Police have confirmed officers would not use this method of communication to contact young people.

Anyone who has received this message has been urged to call Cheshire Police on 101.