FRAUDSTERS have been operating in the Worcestershire area, pretending to be police officers in a bid to con the elderly and vulnerable.

Officers in Worcestershire have received reports of a number of scam callers operating in the county during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Wyre Forest Police have confirmed three reports of people receiving a call stating an unknown person had attempted to use their credit card.

The caller claimed someone had been arrested in connection to the so-called crime and told victims to dial 999 on their phone during the call. 

As more elderly residents go into self-isolation, West Mercia Police is warning residents to be aware of courier fraud scams.

Detective Inspector Emma Wright said: “Following a significant spike in courier fraud offences at the end of last year, we saw a marked drop in these cases, likely due to a number of arrests and also as a result of strong messages to advise the public on how to avoid these scams.

"Unfortunately, over the past few days in Worcestershire and Herefordshire we have started to see a re-emergence of offences, where suspects are contacting elderly, vulnerable people via the telephone, pretending to be from the police or their bank, in a bid to get them to divulge bank details or to hand over cash.

"It is particularly important that at the moment, where many elderly people may be self-isolating due to coronavirus concerns, that we all remain vigilant to such frauds.

“The message is simple – the police or your bank will never ask you to hand over or transfer cash or valuables. Any such request is a scam.

"Do not reveal any bank details, put down the phone and wait 10 minutes to ensure the line has disconnected. Following this report the matter to the police on 101 or via Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

“Please continue to share this message with elderly friends, neighbours and relatives, particularly at present, when they may be feeling isolated and could be particularly susceptible to scams.”