SCAMMERS posing as police officers have conned elderly residents of Andover into handing over thousands of pounds.

Three incidents were reported in the town between June 14 and June 24.

Fraudsters, claiming to be police officers investigating the use of counterfeit money by Andover banks, telephoned their victims and persuaded them to withdraw cash so that it could be collected by couriers and tested.

A man in his 90s and a woman in her 80s were targeted and persuaded to hand over thousands of pounds.

Another man in his 80s was only prevented from doing the same after bank staff became suspicious and called the police.

Hampshire Constabulary has issued a scam warning following the incidents, with advice on how to guard against fraudsters available via its website.

Anyone who knows or has been a victim of this type of fraud should notify the police by calling 101, or 999 if such a crime is in progress.

For further information on protection against scam visit actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.