Bogus callers have contacted St Albans residents claiming to be police officers and asking for bank details.

The scam involves a phone call via a mobile or landline number, with the caller telling the victim they are a police officer and there has been fraudulent use on their bank account.

The victim is then told to put their bank cards and/or money into an envelope and give them to a courier or taxi, which the scam callers then sends to their house. If the bank cards are collected the scammers then use them to withdraw large sums of money.

The callers also ask for people’s help investigating the fraud and asks them to disclose their bank details, including their account and PIN numbers.

Since Saturday, March 23 there have been five incidents of these calls reported to police in St Albans, four of which were unsuccessful. In one incident, £5,000 was withdrawn but a partner intervened and no money was handed over, and in another £200 was stolen.

Neighbourhood Sgt Paul Caro from the St Albans Central, North and West Safer Neighbourhood Team said: “Police officers will never ask for people’s bank details – never give your bank details to anyone.

“The majority of people realise this is a scam and have refused to part with their personal and bank details. However, unfortunately some have fallen victim to this scam and subsequently had thousands of pounds stolen from their account.”

Police are reminding residents that their bank or police would never ask for bank details or a PIN number over the phone, and would never ask them to withdraw money and send it via taxi, courier or any other means. The same applies to bank cards and other personal property.

If you are not happy with a phone call and are suspicious of the conversation you have with the caller then please end the call and dial 101 or report online www.herts.police.uk/Report/Report.

Remember, when reporting a suspicious phone call to police, wait at least five minutes before attempting to make the call to ensure you’re not reconnected to the offender.

Alternatively, use a mobile phone or a neighbour’s phone or test your landline by phoning a friend or relative first, to ensure you aren’t still unwittingly connected to the offender.

If you have concerns about your bank account, visit your local branch.