People are being asked to be aware of a scam where fraudsters trick unsuspecting people into giving them their bank cards and personal details.

Elderly people across Surrey and the Thames Valley area are believed to have been targeted in the past four months.

As part of the scam, the victim initially receives a phone call from a man claiming to be from the police, stating that fraudulent transactions have been carried out on their bank account, sometimes stating there are suspects in custody.

They are then told to call their banks and cancel their cards and a number is given to them to do so.

A second suspect pretends to be a police officer or bank employee and gets the victim to give them their Pin, passcodes and other security information.

The same day, a bogus courier is sent to the victims address to collect the “cancelled” cards and once obtained money is taken from the victim’s account.

Officers from Surrey Police’s proactive crime unit are investigating the scam and urged people to be on their guard and protect themselves against the crime.

Detective Inspector Karen Mizzi said: “We have had a spate of these types of offences over recent months where these tactics are used to prey on unsuspecting victims.

“These con artists are particularly targeting pensioners so I am asking anyone who has family, friends and neighbours who could be vulnerable to ensure they know what they should do to protect themselves.

“Banks and building societies would never ask a customer to confirm their Pin details over the phone. Anyone who receives a suspicious call, either on the phone or in person, is urged to not give any details to the caller and phone their bank or building society to verify whether the request is genuine.”

Anyone with information about the scam should call Surrey Police on 101or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.