CHESHIRE Police have issued a warning over scammers posing as officers and bank employees.

The force has received reports of four such incidents since the start of November, including one in Warrington.

These ‘courier frauds’ see organised crime groups call vulnerable victims posing as police or a bank worker and convince the target to cooperate with an ‘operation designed to gather evidence or identify offenders’ responsible for fictional offences.

As part of the swindle, they are asked to withdraw money from their account, purchase an expensive item or provide their card details.

Money, goods or documents are then handed over to a courier who attends their home or meets them nearby on the promise that the cash or items will be returned or compensation provided.

And some have been left thousands of pounds out of pocket as a result.

Detective sergeant Chris Jacques, from the constabulary’s economic crime unit, said: “In the past couple of months, we have had reports of people being a victim of this type of crime.

“We therefore want to warn others to prevent them from also becoming a victim and to also encourage people to tell elderly relatives and neighbours about it so they are aware of the signs.

“These scammers will stop at nothing to make a criminal gain and can be extremely convincing and very persistent.

“By using these methods, they can often blindside their victims into believing them before taking hard-earned money.

“It is important for the public to remember that police officers, banks and other services will never ask you to withdraw money or provide card details over the phone.

“Telephone numbers can be easily spoofed and you should never trust a number displayed on your telephone.

“Another concerning trend is that scammers have been asking victims to call back on 999, 101 or 162 to verify that they are genuine.

“This is part of the scam, and they keep the line open so that the victim continues speak with the scammers believing that they are genuine officials.

“Anyone who is receiving calls asking for money to be withdrawn and handed over to a courier should call 101 or report it to Action Fraud.”