Conmen claiming to be from the police have today targeted eight people in Faversham, with one victim losing £3,000.

In each call, a man posing as a police officer tells the resident they have someone in custody who has cloned their bank card or that they have had a substantial amount of money taken from their account.

They are then told to withdraw the money from their account to meet a 'courier' who will collect the money.

It has sparked a warning from police who are urging people to be vigilant.

Detective sergeant Rachel Howson from the volume fraud team said: "On one of the occasions the victim withdrew the money and handed over £3,000.

"Unfortunately those who are targeted are often the most vulnerable, such as elderly people or victims with learning difficulties.

"A police force will never ask a member of the public for their bank details or money over the phone.

"If you receive one of these calls end it immediately and wait at least five minutes before using your telephone in order to clear your line from the scammer."

The following advice has been issued by police:

• Never hand over any money, or other items, to a courier after receiving this type of call.

• If you are not confident a person claiming to be a police officer is genuine, ask to take their details and then end the call.

• Wait for at least five minutes for the call to clear and then contact 101, or 999 in an emergency. A call handler will be able to verify whether your caller was genuine.

• Alternatively, contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. You can also report suspicious activity online by visiting: http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud

• The matter can also be reported to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111

Read more: All the latest news from Faversham