The actions of a quick thinking taxi driver prevented an elderly customer from parting with a hefty sum of money yesterday.

On Tuesday two suspected conmen convinced a Hildenborough woman that she owed them £2,000 for drainage works to her house.

The men put her in a taxi from Tonbridge rank, Castle Cars, to take her to Barclays Bank and withdraw the funds.

Although the scammers didn’t accompany the lady to the bank, they remained in the area to collect the money when she returned.

After speaking with her on the journey, the taxi driver noticed the passenger was in distress and intervened, with her consent.

The bank and all parties agreed that the money should not be withdrawn. and police were then called. An investigation is now underway.

Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council is now urging people to be wary of anybody calling unexpectedly claiming to be a workman, particularly if they insist on advance payments to have work carried out.

The scammers may ask for cash or they may demand a loan, which they promise will be paid back by their company the following day.

The council is contacting all Tonbridge and Malling taxi drivers asking them to be aware of any elderly or vulnerable passengers, who may be sent to collect large sums of cash from a bank or cashpoint.

Adrian Stanfield, Director of Central Services for Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, said: "I would like to thank the taxi driver for his professionalism and quick thinking. He noticed that this lady was clearly upset at being asked to withdraw such a large amount of cash and there is no doubt that his actions prevented this scam from being successful.

Terry Hill, Manager of Castle Cars, said: "I am very proud of the swift actions taken by one of my taxi drivers to help this lady.

"Not only did he notice the lady’s distress and take the time to talk to her but he also had the presence of mind to intervene and help foil the conmen. All my drivers are aware of the scam and we are determined to help prevent any similar frauds in future if we can."

The taxi firm were approached but did not release the heroic driver's name.

A Kent Police spokesman added: “We work closely with our partners at Kent Trading Standards to identify and deter doorstep callers who often target vulnerable people, including the elderly and police enquiries are on-going following a report of suspected rogue traders operating in the Hildenborough area."