Over 200 scammed over the phone in the last year
More than 200 people have been victims of a telephone scam in which callers pose as police or bank workers to get householders to hand over financial details, it was revealed today.
West Mercia Police is today highlighting the problem, which mostly affects the elderly or vulnerable.
Some 205 offences were reported last year.
In the majority of instances the victims realised it was a scam call and hung up without handing over any personal details.
But in some instances the scam victims have been conned into handing over often substantial amounts of money.
Detective Chief Inspector Sean Paley said: "This is such a distasteful crime because it usually targets those who are isolated, living alone and vulnerable.
"If you are ever called by somebody pretending to be from the police or bank, don't divulge your details. Remember the police and the bank would never ask for this information.
"Warwickshire Police and West Mercia Police are carrying out in depth investigations into these incidents, and a number of arrests have been made."
