POLICE have issued a warning after telephone fraudsters recently made attempts to defraud elderly people across Worcestershire.

Scams reported include a phone caller pretending to be an officer looking into bank staff, and callers telling victims their account is subject to fraud and they must comply with an 'investigation.'

Wyre Forest Police have circulated warnings on social media regarding 'courier fraud' in the region.

Detective Inspector Emma Wright from the West Mercia Police Economic Crime Unit said: "November and December have seen a rise in the number of attempts to defraud elderly and vulnerable people out of their banked savings and cash.

"Criminals pretending to be police officers have already obtained thousands of pounds through a type of scam known as ‘courier fraud’ and we have had victims come forward from across Worcestershire, including Redditch and Bromsgrove and the villages surrounding them.

“Not all attempts of this scam are successful and it is reassuring to see that our clear messaging that no police officer will ever ask you for money on the phone is a message that people are hearing.

"Sadly however, some vulnerable people have been taken advantage of and have handed over thousands of pounds.

"In one case a victim withdrew over £10,000 and returned home to give it to a ‘courier.’

“Don't trust anyone who calls you about your bank details or asking you to go to a bank to withdraw money. Always hang up and wait 10 minutes to ensure the call has disconnected before calling 101.

“If you want to check they are legitimate, find their number via directory enquiries and call them back.

“If possible, also use a different telephone line to make sure the line is clear e.g. a mobile phone or the phone of a trusted friend or relative. If they are genuine, you should be able to get through to them. You can also check what they are saying is true with your bank.

“Scams can be very elaborate, very convincing and cruel. If you think someone is trying to scam you, tell someone straight away. Don't be pressured and give yourself time to stop and think.

“Please remember the police will never contact you asking for your bank card or cash. We will also never ask you to purchase expensive items or transfer money to a safe account If someone does, it's a scam – provide no details and hand nothing over, hang up and report it immediately to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040 or the police by calling 101."

“We are working hard to identify these criminals trying to con our elderly and vulnerable family members and friends and a number of arrests have been made and charges have been brought."