THREE elderly people have been targeted by conmen operating a phone banking scam.

Dorset Police are urging residents to remain vigilant, following the incidents which took place within three days across the Bournemouth conurbation.

In all three cases elderly victims were convinced to handover their bank cards following telephone calls claiming their bank accounts had been targeted by fraudsters.

Around 4.30pm, Saturday, June 1, an elderly Verwood man was contacted. One-and-a-half hours later a man arrived at his Ringwood Road address to pick up his bank cards. However, when he was challenged by the victim's son, he made off empty-handed.

Then on Monday two similar incidents took place.

On both occasions a man arrived at the victims' homes, following the initial telephone call, and collected their bank cards.

All of the victims have cancelled their cards, and enquiries are underway to establish whether any money has been stolen.

Inspector Phil Swanton, of Dorset Police, said: “In each of these incidents the offenders targeted vulnerable people and purported to be from their bank.

“A full investigation is underway and I would urge anyone who was in these areas at the relevant time and saw someone acting suspiciously to please contact us. We are keeping an open mind as to whether these incidents are linked.

“I am also very keen to hear from anyone who has been contacted in similar suspicious circumstances.

“Please remember, the bank will never send someone to your home to collect your bank cards or ask for your PINs. If someone calls you claiming to be from your bank and you are unsure of their validity, we would urge you to ask for their name, hang up and contact your bank directly.

“I would ask anyone with elderly family members to please talk to them about these types of scams and help provide them with advice on what to do if they are in any doubt."