Fake police officers conning thousands from Hertfordshire residents

BOGUS police officers are scamming elderly people out of thousands of pounds by posing as fraud investigators and obtaining their bank details. Police have issued a warning to residents in Hertfordshire after reports of

BOGUS police officers are scamming elderly people out of thousands of pounds by posing as fraud investigators and obtaining their bank details.

Police have issued a warning to residents in Hertfordshire after reports of a man phoning up victims and telling them he is a police officer investigating a fraud. The victim is asked to provide bank details, including pin numbers.

Later, a "police officer" calls round to the house, and takes bank statements, credit and debit cards.

Detective Inspector Dave Wheatley from Hertfordshire Constabulary's Operation Manhunt Team, which targets rogue traders and distraction burglars, said: "A police officer would never ask for bank details and I would strongly advise anyone faced with a similar call not to hand out their personal information, including bank details."

DI Wheatley told residents to call the police immediately if they received phone calls of this nature.

The suspect who has been calling at people's houses is a man of Asian or Middle Eastern appearance, between 20 and 30 years old and with black hair.

Anyone with information should call police on 0845 3300 222, but if you think a crime is in progress, call 999 immediately.