A WOMAN in her 90s was conned out of a significant amount of money by a fraudster posing as a police officer.

The victim is among four people in the Bridgwater area to be targeted by the scammers.

The woman was called by someone falsely claiming to be working for police in Bournemouth.

He told her officers had arrested someone who had her account details and claimed her bank was involved in the scam.

He went on to encourage her to take out a four-figure sum from her bank and to lie to cashiers about why she was making such a large withdrawal.

She was then persuaded to hand the cash over to a ‘courier’ who would give her a password when he arrived.

She duly gave the money to the fake courier and also provided her personal banking information over the phone, which led to money also being stolen from her account.

Fraud protect officer Amy Horrobin said: "Fraudsters tend to prey on the elderly and vulnerable people but anyone can be a victim.

"There’s no shame in being tricked by these professional criminals, they can be very convincing.

"We must stress though police will never ask you to make a withdrawal from your bank for an investigation.

"They will never ask you to hand over personal banking details, such as your PIN.

"And they will never ask you to hand money to a courier who will collect it.

"The same goes for banks and other legitimate organisations and agencies.

"It is difficult during a phone call out of the blue to always think clearly, especially if the subject appears at face value to be very serious.

"So if you are unsure if what you’re being told may be a scam, then hang up the phone – the person at the other end of the phone will not be offended by you being cautious, if they are who they claim to be.

"Leave it five minutes, make sure you hear a dialling tone and the person who called initially has cleared the line, before then calling the organisation or company back.

"Use a number they advertise on their website or in the phone book. Don’t use any number the person gives you.

"Alternatively call police on 101 or speak to someone you know for further advice."

Police are also aware of an unsuccessful attempt to defraud someone living near Glastonbury over the past week.

Officers are urging any other victims in the area to come forward and contact the police on 101, giving reference number 5221045252.