POLICE have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to who they believe can help with a fraud investigation.

The appeal comes after it was reported that a man was pretending to be a police officer in the Basingstoke area from ‘the fraud squad’ on November 25, where he called one of the victims and convinced her to withdraw a large sum of money from her bank account.

A man has then attended the victim’s address and collected more than £6,000.

In a similar incident, a man in his 80s was called on November 27, also by a person purporting to be from the Fraud Squad, but no money was taken during this incident.

Officers want to speak to the man in the image as they believe he has information which could aid their investigation.

A spokesman from Hampshire Constabulary said: ” We know the picture is not the best quality, but we’re hoping someone can help us identify him, or has seen this man in their local area.

“We are asking members of the public to remain vigilant with regards to suspicious phone calls and visitors to your address.

“If someone contacts you claiming to be from the police, get their details, terminate the call and then dial 101 to make contact with their stated Force and check their identity.

“Similarly, if someone knocks at your front door claiming to be from the police or any other company in suspicious circumstances, first check their ID.

“If you’re not happy, don’t let them in. Never call the phone number on their ID card to check them out.

“Ask the person to wait outside, shut the door and find the company number on the internet, or call 101 if they purport to be from the police. If they’re genuine, they’ll understand.”

If anyone recognises the man in the image they are asked to contact the police on 101, quoting 44190426383.