A warning has been issued after a pensioner was conned out of thousands of pounds by a police impersonator and nine others reported similar scams.

The fraudster targeted a Margate woman in her 70s on Monday (December 4).

A man called and told her he was a police officer and needed her to withdraw cash to help with a fraud investigation.

The conman remained on the line while she went to the bank and withdrew thousands of pounds.

A courier – described as in his 20s and with a tanned complexion – collected it from her in the Hartsdown Road area at about 3pm.

The force then received nine reports two days later from people in Margate, Ramsgate and Westgate who had each been contacted by someone posing as a police officer and who gave a similar story.

Some were told their bank cards had been cloned and were being used in robberies but thankfully all the nine victims got suspicious and hung up the phone.

“The scams can be sophisticated and confusing, so do not be embarrassed to ask for help...”

Inspector Jim Woodward of the Thanet community safety unit said: “A police officer will never ask you for money so always treat such calls with suspicion and never agree to their request.

“Also be alert to anyone claiming to be calling from your bank who asks you to transfer funds.

“Take their details and then end the call. It is recommended to wait five minutes or more after ending the call to ensure fraudsters have not kept your line open.

“Use another phone if you have one.

“These fraudsters will try and alarm you into trusting them. Make the time to speak to family or friends, before agreeing to anything.

“The scams can be sophisticated and confusing, so do not be embarrassed to ask for help.

“If you think you have been targeted by a fraudster, report it to Kent Police.”

You can also contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or report suspicious activity online by visiting its website.

The matter can also be reported to Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or by using the online form.