Police in Cambridgeshire are investigating a series of fraud incidents where a ‘bogus police officer’ has been asking people for money and telling them they are ‘investigating criminal activity’ on their bank card.

Following an investigation, officers have identified a car they believe to be involved in the criminal activity.

In the past few weeks there have been three separate incidents in Peterborough of the bogus officers asking people for money, linking the request to an alleged ‘inside job at NatWest Bank’.

One victim was asked to withdraw £5,000 and hand it over to a police officer, who would collect it from him with a codeword.

A police spokesman said: “The victim asked to see identification from the police officer, but was told it was an undercover operation and the officer would not be able to identify himself.

“The victim felt this was suspicious so refused to hand over the money, but he was told he would be ‘arrested under section 84 for refusing to cooperate with a police enquiry.’

“The bogus officer arrived in a hatchback car, believed to be on fake plates, and the victim handed over the £5,000 in cash.”

The suspect who collected the money is described as Asian, around 6’ to 6’6”, with brown hair.

Detective constable Louise Mann said: “Your bank and the police will never ask you to withdraw cash, reveal your PIN number or passwords or purchase high value goods that they will then collect from your home.”

Anyone who has seen the car or who has information regarding this incident should call police on 101 quoting CF0087850218 or visit www.cambs.police.uk/report. Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111 or via www.crimestoppers-uk.org