Consett man, 91, duped out of £7,400 after being told he faced arrest by 'police officer'

The victim, 91, who lives in the Consett area, was called on the telephone by a fraudster purporting to be from New Scotland Yard.

The fraudster claimed that if the victim did not withdraw the cash, he would be arrested.

Later that day, a courier came and picked up the cash from the address.

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “Members of the public are reminded that the police and banks will never ask you to withdraw money.

“Fraudsters will lie and purport to be police and other officials but a genuine police officer will never ask you to transfer money.”

Advice issued by UK Finance on how to avoid falling victim to this scam includes being wary of any calls, texts or emails purporting to be from the police asking for personal or financial details, or to transfer money.

Anyone approached, or feels something is suspicious, should hang up the phone and not reply, reporting it to Action Fraud and their bank on their advertised number.

Anyone who receives an unsolicited telephone call, the most common method used, should hang up and take five minutes to verify the call via trusted means.

To report fraudulent activity, call police on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300-123-2040.