Elderly lady is conned into handing over her bank cards. A man later withdraws £1,000 from her bank account in Cambridge

CCTV images released by police (Image: Archant)

The 87-year-old victim received a phone call on the morning of June 1 from a man who said he was from her bank and claiming her cards needed replacing.

She provided her PIN number and a short while later a man came to her home and collected her cards using a pre-agreed password.

He said a courier would attend later in the day with her replacement cards, however, he then withdrew a total of £1000 on a number of cards from a bank in Cambridge city centre.

Pc Andy Gardiner said: “I would urge anyone with information about this crime to come forward.

“As well as the man pictured, I would like to speak to a woman who I believe challenged the offender at the cash point.”

PC Gardiner also warned others about scams and urged people to be wary of:

• Cold callers who request you call back on a number following an issue with your bank account. Often, the line is kept open and another person continues the call.

• Individuals who may already have some of your details; do not let this fool you, always dispose of your bank details and letters securely.

In addition, the police and your bank will never:

• Phone and ask you for your PIN number or banking password - always challenge this and hang up.

• Send someone to your home to collect your cards, PIN, cheque book, bank letters or cash.

If you are unsure of the caller, hang up. If you have been a victim of a similar fraud, report it to the police and also Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Anyone with information should contact PC Gardiner on 101, quoting crimefile number 0235990615, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.