A Huntingdonshire resident was scammed out of £10,000 by a man posing as a police officer.

Now a warning has been issued over the police officer telephone scam after six reports from Huntingdonshire residents were made earlier this month.

The scam involves a caller claiming to be a Metropolitan police officer from the serious fraud office and saying they were holding people in custody who had possession of the victims’ bank details.

Attempts are then made to get the victim to tell the caller their personal and bank details as well as asking them to withdraw money from their account.

On one occasion, a victim handed £10,000 to a male who visited their home to collect the money.

Dave Griffin, Police Community Safety Officer, said: “It is likely that more calls were made which have not been reported to police.

“If you received a call or know either a friend, neighbour or family member who did, please let us know.

“Neither banks nor the police will call and ask you to pass personal or bank details over the phone. Please keep an eye on any vulnerable neighbours.”

In November last year four women were targeted by someone pretending to be a police officer. On each occasion, they were called by men claiming to be from Hammersmith and Croydon police stations.

One of those called became suspicious and contacted the Met who confirmed the name and badge number did not exist. Fortunately, nothing was stolen despite requests for personal details.

Elderly people’s charity Age UK recommends people never share financial information with anyone who rings and asks for it.

It also suggests registering with the Telephone Preference Service, a free way to opt-out of receiving unsolicited telesales calls.

INFORMATION: Anyone who can help police should call 101. To register with the Telephone Preference Service, call 0845 0700707.