RESIDENTS in Colden Common are warning others against bogus calls after six people were scammed less than two weeks ago.

On March 22 six residents, aged between 42 and 94, were contacted by someone claiming to be a police officer who was attempting to obtain their bank details.

A 63-year-old man from the village was tricked into disclosing his bank account details and handing over his bank card to a courier. He subsequently discovered that £1,500 had been stolen from his account.

The victim received a call from a man claiming to be from the Visa fraud department and was told that his card had been used fraudulently. He was convinced to hand over his bank details and while he was on the phone a man arrived at his door to collect his bank cards which he had placed in an envelope.

Victims are often told to hang up their phone and call their bank or to call back the police to check the caller’s identity. The original caller does not hang up the phone and is therefore able to speak to the victim again when they think they are calling another number as the line is still connected.

Detective inspector Sue Orr said: “People have lost large sums of cash as a result of this fraud as often the elderly and vulnerable are targeted.

“We want to warn residents that these requests are not genuine and that no police officer or bank would operate in this manner. Anyone who receives a suspicious call is urged not to give any details to the caller and report the matter to the police immediately.

“Any courier companies or taxi drivers that may have been asked to pick up such packages in the area are also urged to report this to police.

“If you have elderly relatives, friends or neighbours please make them aware of this scam and remind them not to give any details to unexpected callers.  Remain alert and if you see them being approached by unexpected visitors please check who they are and ensure they are a legitimate caller.”

In the event of an emergency call 999. For all other incidents dial 101.