Gloucestershire residents scammed by police impersonators

Police are urging anyone to report incidents where they have been a victim of fraud

Residents are being warned to stay "vigilant", after a targeted campaign by fraudsters impersonating police over the phone.

Gloucestershire Police received 30 reports last week from residents claiming scammers had told them their bank account had been compromised.

The victims were then instructed to withdraw cash and purchase Euros to with assist a "police investigation".

The average victim of courier fraud in Gloucestershire was 79-years-old.

Residents with the telephone code 01452 have been targeted by scammers over the last week.

The fraudsters say they are police officers calling from local police stations.

Once victims have withdrawn cash, they are then told the money is counterfeit, and a "police courier" arrives at the victim's address to collect it.

Officers are now urging people in Gloucester to raise awareness of the scam by speaking to elderly or vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours.

Gloucestershire Constabulary are also advising anyone who thinks they might be being targeted by scammers, to hang up and call the police from a different phone.