SURREY Police are warning elderly people in Waverley to be on their guard following a spate of courier fraud offences.

Older residents have been contacted over the phone by individuals impersonating police officers.

The victims, predominantly over 70, have been contacted by both men and women claiming to be from police forces such as the Metropolitan Police Service. Some victims have even been issued with bogus crime reference numbers.

Courier fraud involves a phone call being made by someone often pretending to be in an authoritative position.

The caller explains there has been an issue with your bank, or that a crime involving your money has taken place in order to gain your card details. A courier is then sent to collect either money or bank cards.

In one case, a woman in her 70s from Godalming was told to withdraw £4,000 to assist with a supposed police investigation.

Another victim was contacted and told his card details had been stolen and £5,000 removed. Thankfully, no money was exchanged, however he did divulge the details of his address.

If you know of anyone who may be at risk be aware of some of the warning signs:

• Fraudsters usually ‘cold call’ victims on their landline.

• They may make a claim to gain the victim’s trust and encourage the victim to give specific personal information.

• The fraudster will arrange to collect the victim’s bank card from their home address.

A number of steps can be taken to reduce the risk of becoming a victim of fraud:

• Don’t give personal details, bank cards, or money to someone you don’t know.

• If you’re asked to call someone back, hang up and wait five minutes before calling back or use a mobile phone.

• Trading Standards can provide sticker packs which can be put on telephones as a reminder not to give out details. Call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.

• trueCall provides hardware that can block unwanted telephone calls including nuisance and scam calls.

• Registering with the Telephone Preference Service can reduce the number of unwanted calls you receive. Registration is completely free. Visit the www.tpsonline.org.uk/ or call 0345 070 0707.

• Registering with the Mail Preference Service can reduce the quantity of unsolicited mail you receive. Registration is free of charge. Visit the website www.mpsonline.org.uk/.

Anyone with information or who thinks they may have been a victim of a similar crime can call Surrey Police on 101. For further advice, visit the website www.Surrey.Police.Uk/Fraud.