Conmen have stolen thousands of pounds from elderly people in a spate of incidents in Maidstone.

Fraudsters have been contacting victims by phone, claiming to work for either the Metropolitan Police or a fraud investigation team of a bank.

The caller then asks for the victim’s address and date of birth as they have been the subject of fraud on their bank account.

They are then told that they will receive a visit and may even be given a password.

A man posing as one of the officials then pays a visit. Victims are asked for their bank statements and cards, which are taken away in an envelope sealed by the victim, allegedly as evidence.

Thousands of pounds are then being drawn from the stolen cards.

Officers are now investigating four incidents which have occurred since January 13. In each case, the victim has been elderly.

DC Donna Hopper of the Tactical Investigation Department at Maidstone comments: “These cowardly criminals are preying particularly on the most elderly and vulnerable members of our society.

“By posing as officials from law enforcement, victims are less likely to object to handing over their bank details and cards, especially when these phone calls are followed up by a visit they are expecting.

“I cannot stress strongly enough that under no circumstances would a real police officer ask for credit cards or bank statements to be handed over.

"I would ask elderly people to be vigilant of these scams and for family and friends to look out for those who are vulnerable, to try and prevent any more of these offences occurring.

“If you suspect any suspicious behaviour from either a telephone call or visit, I would urge people to contact Kent Police in the first instance on 01622 690690, as real callers would have no objections to their identity being verified.”