AVON and Somerset Police are reminding residents to be alert to phone scams after more reports of bogus police officer calls.

Several incidents have been reported to the police involving elderly Burnham residents who received phone calls from someone claiming to be from either the police or a bank.

One victim was asked for their PIN number and told that an officer was on his way to collect their card. Another victim was asked to withdraw a considerable amount of money from their account and await further instructions.

Dr Kirstie Cogram, manager of the Economic Crime Group at Avon and Somerset Police, said: “The police and the banks will never ask you for banking details or PIN numbers on the phone.

"Similarly, they would never send a so-called ‘courier’ to collect bank cards or money or ask you to withdraw cash. The victim who handed over her bank card and PIN number has sadly lost a considerable amount of money.

"In the second case this week, I would like to praise bank staff who prevented their customer becoming a victim of crime. Their suspicions were raised and they alerted police.

"It’s important to reiterate the more we talk about this scam, the more people are made aware of it and the less likely they are to become victims. Please spread the word to your relatives, neighbours, colleagues and friends, especially those who are elderly or vulnerable.”

If you have any information about any financial scams, suspected crimes, or you wish to report being a victim of a financial crime, contact Action Fraud on 0300-123-2040 or visit www.actionfraud.police.uk