RESIDENTS in Chard are being urged to be alert after police received a number of reports of elderly residents being conned in a phone scam.

Police said in the past two weeks they have had four reports from pensioners in Chard who were all contacted by individuals claiming to be officers from the Metropolitan Police investigating a fraud.

The victims have been told their bank details have been used to make purchases in London, and persuaded to withdraw cash.

The scammers have then collected the money, claiming it is needed as 'evidence'.

Police said they are working with local banks to raise awareness and their enquiries into the incidents continue.

Sergeant Ashley Jones, of the Senior Citizen Liaison Team said: “These fraudsters have been telling people not to tell anyone about their call. Genuine police officers will want you to have the support of your family, friends or bank staff in such a case.

“Please don’t discuss your finances with anyone who calls you out of the blue, even if they say they’re a police officer or from your bank. Genuine callers will be happy to make an appointment for you to visit them at a branch or police station. And neither police nor bank staff will ask you to hand over cash, your card, or your PIN

“If you know someone who may be vulnerable to this type of fraud, please talk to them and share our crime prevention tips.”

There’s lots of information about fraudsters and scams on the Action Fraud website. If you think you have been defrauded you can report it by calling 0300 123 2050 or online.

If you have any information which could help with the investigation, please get in touch online quoting reference 5218270138.