FRAUDSTERS are tricking victims into handing over cash or expensive items to couriers by asking them to cooperate in a false police investigation.

They contact members of the public claiming they have been the victims of fraud and ask them to help in detaining those responsible.

They may suggest staff at their local bank have taken money from their accounts or that a local business is operating fraudulently and that they need to secure evidence.

Victims are then asked to withdraw money from their bank or purchase an expensive item before handing it all over to a courier.

Action Fraud has now warned people to be on their guard. The organisation said the police and banks will never send someone to a hoe to collect cash and will never ask for a PIN or full password.

For more information about how to protect yourself go to cyberaware.gov.uk or takefive.stopfraud.org.uk