Warning after bogus police officer targets OAP

The 89-year-old had withdrawn the cash after a phone call from a man who claimed to be with South Yorkshire Police.

But a neighbour in Tickhill advised him against it and the force has warned the public to be vigilant against such scams.

Det Con Rob Hunt said: “Individuals who impersonate police officers to con money from trusting, law-abiding people need to be reprimanded.

“We are aware of incidents where people have been contacted by callers purporting to be a police officer or a government officer investigating a fraud case.

“The caller asks the victim to withdraw a quantity of cash, give out their bank details and hand the money over to a courier who attends their home address.

“Fortunately, in this case, the gentleman spoke to his neighbour first and was prevented from becoming a victim of crime.”

Police say people should not be afraid of questioning the validity of of individuals contacting them at home or by phone.

Det Con Hunt said: “Ask for an identification card and if you need to, close your door and make a phonecall to the company they say they work for to confirm their information.

“If someone contacts you by phone, never give out personal details, including bank details like a pin number or sort code.”

Call police on 101 to report suspicious behaviour. Alternatively, report crime anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.