Warning over police call scam as victim loses £14k

People have been called by scammers as they insist they are "assisting with an investigation"

Police are warning residents about a phone scam where fraudsters pose as police officers after victims were scammed out of thousands of pounds.

Devon and Cornwall Police said 12 reports, in the space of a fortnight, had been made from across Devon, with one elderly victim swindled out of £14,000.

According to the force, people have been called by scammers as they are "assisting with an investigation". They are then asked to withdraw significant funds from cash machines.

Residents were targeted in Exeter, Exmouth, Sidbury, Plymouth, Bradninch and Heybrook Bay between 2 and 18 July.

Sgt Tona Pooley said: "Victims are never to blame.

"These fraudsters can be very persuading and demanding, which unfortunately in this case, has led to some people being scammed out of thousands of pounds.

"If you have been a victim of this scam or to one similar, please report it to the police or to Action Fraud.

"Your information is vital in helping us identify the people who are behind this."