FRAUDSTERS have been posing as police officers, bankers and government officials to target vulnerable residents.

Police have today issued a warning after “several incidents” of such fraudulent activity in the Test Valley area.

It is believed the culprits then request bank details from their victims and have been asking them to withdraw money from their account.

A message shared on social media by Test Valley Cops read: “Please be mindful if you receive such a call or know of anyone that has. If you receive a call like this, then you should contact your bank and the local policing team.

“The police will not contact you for any bank details or ask you to withdraw funds from your account.

“The fraudsters have also been giving victims cover stories to tell the banks why they are withdrawing the money.”

It comes after the Trading Standards team at Hampshire County Council issued a similar warning.

The authority urged residents to be extra vigilant of a scam known to be in circulating in the county purporting to be the NHS Coronavirus Test and Trace service.

The scam involves a phone call claiming to be from the NHS Test and Trace Service informing the householder that they have been in contact with somebody who has tested positive for Coronavirus, and that they need to self-isolate and take a test.

The caller refuses to disclose who the householder has been in contact with but asks them to confirm their address so a testing kit can be sent to them. The caller then asks for payment card details to cover cost of the testing kit.

The council has reminded residents the NHS Test and Trace service is free and will not ask for bank details or payments, details of other accounts such as social media, or to contact a premium rate number.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Keith Mans, said: “We are determined to do everything we can to protect Hampshire residents not from just this scam, but all scams.

“Please make your friends, family members and neighbours aware, as being forewarned can often mean you are forearmed.”

For further advice or to report an issue call the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 2231133.