POLICE have issued a warning urging people in Oxfordshire not to fall victim to the latest telephone fraud scam.

In what appears to be a string of similar incidents, elderly victims are being contacted by a person claiming to be a detective from the Metropolitan or Essex police.

Scammers are explaining to the victims that money has been fraudulently taken out of their bank account, and to protect the remaining funds they must withdraw large sums of money which will then be collected by an arranged courier and kept in a safe place for them.

The fraudsters even encourage their victims to dial 999 and ask for a detective or call their bank to clarify that they are not being scammed.

However, keeping the phone line open, another scammer then pretends to be the police operator or the bank.

In an online appeal explaining the incidents, a spokesperson at Thames Valley Police said this week alone they have had a number of fraud offences reported to them.

They wrote: “Scammers frequently emphasis the need for the victim’s discretion and tell them they cannot speak to friends or family due to it being part of an ongoing investigation, and tell them they cannot even speak to staff at their bank as they are not trustworthy and are being investigated.

“This is designed to isolate the victim.”

If you receive this type of call, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or via their website. In an emergency dial 999.