Fake social media profiles are being used to ask for money in return for five-figure Government grants.

Police said fraudsters had urged people to send $700 to an undisclosed location via FedEx so that they could receive a $50,000 grant.

A police spokesman warned residents to verify any online messages they receive that claimed to be from a Member of Parliament by calling the Government on 295-5151.

He added people should speak to a Department of Communications representative about any online proposal said to be from polticians before they divulged any personal information.

Anyone with any information about the scam should contact police.