Elderly in Bedfordshire targeted by scammers posing as police officers

Elderly Bedfordshire residents have been targeted in the last 24 hours by fraudsters posing as police officers.

In one instance, a caller told a lady that a family member was being held in police custody, and then asked questions about her bank cards and account.

Thankfully, she realised it wasn't genuine and finished the call, then reported it to police.

Inspector Gareth Coombs, of the Force Contact Centre at Bedfordshire Police, said: “Unfortunately from time to time we see a fresh wave of these cruel hoaxes, intended to dupe vulnerable people out of large sums of money.

"I’d like to remind people to be vigilant with personal details or banking information and remember that a police officer, or indeed a bank would never ask for details such as this to be carried out over a cold call.

“If you suspect a scam is taking place or you feel vulnerable, hang up, wait five minutes to clear the line, or where possible use a different telephone line, to call police or Action Fraud to report the incident.”

If you suspect you have been a victim of fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or hereAlternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.