ACTION Fraud has issued a warning after a caller, pretending to be police officer, conned people out of £12,000.

A number of residents in Petersfield and East Hampshire reported being asked to hand over money to a courier, claiming to be a police officer.

The caller telephoned the victims, telling them they are investigating a fraud.

They then ask the person to go to their bank and withdraw money, which should be handed over to a courier who will visit them.

Each time, the victims are told not to trust their bank when anti-fraud checks are being completed.

So far, Action Fraud have received nine reports, which took place between January 6 and 16.

Two of the victims, a 78 and 80-year-old woman both from Petersfield, handed over around £6,000 each to a courier.

In the other seven instances, offences were identified before the courier arrived.

Enquiries are ongoing and Action Fraud is reminding people to be on guard of fraudsters, remembering the following advice:

? Police officers will never call people in this way and ask anyone to withdraw money or disclose personal or financial information. If someone does do this, hang up – it will be a scam.

? Consider contacting your telephone provider to get a free call-blocking service if you are getting unsolicited calls.

? If you are a friend, relative or carer of someone you think might be vulnerable to this type of scam, speak to them about this advice to stop them from being scammed.

To report a fraud call 101, if a crime is in progress, dial 999.

To find out more about the different types of scam and how to protect yourself, visit www.actionfraud.police.uk