SCAM artists posing as police fraud detectives tried to con elderly people out of money in four incidents in south Essex.

Elderly and vulnerable people were targeted by the fraudsters in Leigh, Benfleet, Southend and Westcliff, all within the space of three days.

Fortunately, in each case the victims grew suspicious and contacted police without transferring any money to the conmen.

At around 3pm on January 9, a man called a 94-year-old woman from Leigh and told her that her bank card had been used to purchase items illegally in Brighton.

The victim was asked to remain on the line, press three digits and then speak to a detective on the phone.

She then spoke to a woman but grew suspicious, hung up and called a relative.

At around 4.20pm that day, a 73-year-old woman in Westcliff was contacted and told that her card had been used to purchase high value items in Birmingham.

The same tactics were used but this victim also grew suspicious and hung up.

Later that day a third elderly woman, from Southend, was called, told that there was suspicious activity on her account and asked to withdraw thousands of pounds.

The victim went into her bank the following day, told staff and police were called at 10am.

The final report was made at 12.40pm on January 12, by an elderly woman in Benfleet who also hung up and contacted police.

All of the residents targeted were elderly and deemed to be vulnerable.

Investigating officer, Sgt Rachel Jeffery said: “The suspects are preying on their elderly victim’s trust and respect for police officers in an attempt to con them out of hundreds, and in some cases thousands of pounds.

“Fortunately, in each case reported to us last week the victims were rightly suspicious and either told a relative, police or their banks.

“Remember we will never ask you for personal bank details on the phone or ask you to withdraw any sums of cash.

“We would always talk to you in person if we were concerned about anything suspicious reported to us. Even at your doorstep, continue to remain vigilant and ask an officer to show their identification, we won’t mind you asking to see.

“For more advice on bogus callers and scams visit: https://www.essex.police.uk/advice/bogus-callers.”

Anyone with information should contact police directly on 101, or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.