A Smannell pub has warned its followers to be wary of a fake ‘scammer’ account posing as it on social media.

The Oak’s Facebook page has been cloned by another user of the social media platform, which has posted duplicate posts shared by the real account. However, some of these direct users to share their information and visit a fake website.

In a statement, The Oak asked its supporters to be aware of the site, saying: “Please note that we will not message customers unless they message us, so please treat that as a flag of a scammer. More importantly, we would never ask for any payment methods online, so please DO NOT provide any bank details!”

The fake account began posting as The Oak on March 22. Previously, it had posted as a kebab takeaway in Rochdale and a hotel in Ireland. Before this, it appears it was used as a personal account, with comments on its posts suggesting the user is based in Sudan.

After taking The Oak’s name, the account copied many of its Facebook posts. However, it then changed one of the real pub’s regular prize draws so that anyone fooled by the page would be directed to a fake website and asked to hand over their personal details.

The account was also messaging followers of the real Oak’s Facebook page, asking them for personal details and bank details.

In a statement, the Oak said: “Please be aware that it has been brought to our attention that scammers have made a duplicate of our page and have been sending private messages to people who follow us.

“Please note that we will not message customers unless they message us, so please treat that as a flag of a scammer. More importantly, we would never ask for any payment methods online, so please DO NOT provide any bank details!

“Another sign is the images on the account are not linked to our business, and the name does not have a space between "The" and "Oak".

“Their site does not give you the option to post comments on their posts. This is something we do not block as we encourage people to feedback and to tag their friends and family.

“We would appreciate that if anyone gets these messages to report them to Facebook immediately, and to block and delete them and their messages.”

The Oak – the real one, that is – reopens on April 12 with pubgoers to be seated in the garden and in specially constructed pods.

Its real Facebook page can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/TheOakInSmannell/