RESIDENTS are being urged to remain vigilant, after a number of elderly people were targeted in an attempted telephone scam.

Police received reports of four separate incidents in Midhurst, Petworth, Rustington and East Preston.

In each case, the suspect claimed to be a detective sergeant investigating a series of bank details found on a laptop belonging to a Polish man.

The victims were asked to transfer thousands of pounds in order to safeguard their money, but police were contacted and no details were exchanged.

A police spokesman said: “Thankfully, the people targeted in these incidents were alert to the scam and contacted police before any losses were incurred. Under no circumstances would the police act in this way, and anyone in any doubt that they have fallen victim to a scam - or an attempted scam - should contact police.

“We would also urge anyone reading or hearing this message to pass it on to any friends and relatives who may be unaware of this particular type of targeted fraud.

“We want to encourage everyone to continue to resist these callers, who despicably often target elderly and vulnerable people who may easily become confused.”

For more information visit www.sussex.police.uk and search for ‘courier scams’.

You can also pick up the Little Book of Big Scams from your local police station or read it online at the web address above.