HAMPSHIRE residents are being warned of a scam in which fraudsters pose as police officers and urge victims to withdraw money from their accounts.

Two of the county’s residents have lost thousands of pounds to the culprits this week, prompting police to issue their warning.

The scammers often say they are from a police station in London, that they are working undercover and that there is fraudulent activity on your account, when in fact it is them scamming you.

They ask for your help to stop it from happening and they are very convincing.

A statement from Hampshire Constabulary read: “We want to remind people that a police officer would never call you and ask you for money.

“No one, not even someone your bank, would call you and ask you for your financial details or ask you to withdraw cash.”

Officers say that two elderly people in Chandler’s Ford have been targeted this week.

On Monday, February 17, an 80-year-old man lost £3,200 and on Tuesday, February 18, an 80-year-old woman lost £3,400 to the fraudsters.

Police have also issued the following advice:

• Police officers will never call people in this way and ask you to withdraw money or disclose personal or financial information. If someone does do this, please hang up – it will be a scam.

• Consider contacting your telephone provider to get a free call-blocking service if you are getting unsolicited calls.

• If you are a friend, relative or carer of someone you think might be vulnerable to this type of scam, please speak to them about this advice. You might be the only person who can stop them from being scammed.

A statement from the force added: “If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, report it to us by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, dial 999.

“You can make yourself aware of this type of scam and how to protect yourself by visiting the Action Fraud website (actionfraud.police.uk) or by calling them on 0300 123 2040.”

It comes after police last week warned residents of an Amazon Prime scam in which fraudsters attempt to gain access to victim’s computers to capture sensitive personal and financial information.