A MAN in his eighties was targeted by a fraudster claiming to be someone from Paddington Police Station. 

The 88-year-old was persuaded to withdraw £3,300, with the scamming informing him that a courier would attend his address to collect the money. 

This is just one incident that has recently happened, with West Mercia Police saying they are seeing an increase of this type of activity in both Hereford and Worcester. 

OTHER NEWS:

DS Jon Cooper said, “No police officer from any force or department and organisations will ever ask you to make a payment, withdraw or transfer money or ask for your bank details.

"Even if someone provides all your details correctly on the phone, it can still be a scam. If in doubt, don’t be afraid to hang up and call whatever company they say they are and directly check if it is legitimate.

“I urge the public to get in touch with friends and family to warn them of the risk and to know what to do. These scams can be extremely convincing and manipulative.

"Please remember the police will never contact you asking for your bank card, details, cash or ask you to go to a bank to withdraw cash. If someone does, it's a scam – provide no details and hand nothing over, hang up, wait ten minutes then call 101.”

If you receive a suspicious phone call, you can report it to Action Fraud by visiting actionfraud.police.uk or calling 0300 123 2040.

If you are in immediate risk, always call 999.