A SENIOR police officer has urged families to warn loved ones about a gang of fraudsters tricking pensioners into handing over cash.

Con artists have targeted five elderly people in Abingdon over a three-week period, pocketing £25,000, Thames Valley Police revealed.

Supt Rory Freeman, police commander for South and Vale, said: “It’s important that we ensure that we, and our family and loved ones, know what to do should fraudsters call.

“Criminals such as this can seem very plausible and seek to gain the trust of their victims.

“I would urge everyone to spend a few minutes to talk with their family and friends, particularly any vulnerable people they may know, about this type of crime.”

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The fraudsters telephone their victims pretending to be tackling bank fraud, persuading elderly people to hand over cash to Asian men who turned up on their doorsteps.

Supt Freeman added: “If you receive one of these calls end it immediately.

“It is important we all understand that banks will never send a courier to your home or collect your bank card. The bank and police will never ask for a PIN.

“Use another phone, perhaps your landline or mobile, to confirm the identity of a caller with your bank and prevent fraudsters from reinforcing their deception.

“If you have handed over any details to fraudsters contact your bank immediately and cancel your bank cards.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101.