FRAUDSTERS posing as police officers and bank workers have been targeting increasing numbers of elderly Poole residents in a “despicable” telephone scam, it has emerged.

A dedicated operation to counter the scam has been established by Dorset Police, who have been using ‘pop up police stations’ across Poole to raise awareness of the crime.

Officers and Age Concern Poole warn residents to be on their guard against the conmen, who have already cheated a number of vulnerable victims out of savings.

Dennis Blackler, inset left, Age Concern Poole, said: “If in doubt, always put the phone down and never give bank details out over the phone.

“It is horrible to think there are people out there targeting vulnerable residents in this way,” he added.

Police explain that the fraudsters have been telephoning householders, most of whom are elderly, claiming to be from legitimate organisations, such as police forces or banks.

To the victim the fraudsters sound bona fide, and some have been tricked into giving out bank account details and pin numbers.

Police used ‘pop up police stations’ at different Poole locations on Thursday and Friday to issue a simple message to residents – never, on any occasion, give bank account details or pin numbers to anyone over the phone.

Poole North neighbourhood inspector David Parr, inset below, said: “This is a despicable crime, which is why we are trying to raise awareness and prevent potential victims falling foul of scams.”

Local police have also linked up with other ongoing national operations in order to target the telephone fraudsters, in a bid to build a picture of who is preying on elderly and vulnerable people in the scam.

Inspector Parr commented: “A 24-year-old man was recently arrested in Poole and has now been released on bail as enquiries continue.

“However, I am confident that this scam is the work of more than one person, so we are continuing our efforts to raise awareness of the scam and prevent further losses occurring.”

Detective Inspector offers advice

DETECTIVE Inspector Andy Roberts, Dorset Police lead for courier fraud, gave the following advice: “If someone contacts you on the phone and asks for your bank account number and pin number, never give them.

“The police will never ask for your bank details over the phone and will never ask you to withdraw or transfer money for them.

“The fraudsters can lead people to believe they are genuine, but they are not.

“Anyone who suspects their caller is ringing them fraudulently should put the phone down, wait for five minutes and check for a dial tone.

“Once the line is clear dial 1471, write the number down and then call the police immediately on 101.”

Inspector Roberts says all information about calls will help track down the criminals, and that being a victim of this type of fraud is nothing for a person to be ashamed of.