A teenage boy and a man have been arrested following an alleged phone scam in Harpenden.

The pair were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit fraud after an incident in the town yesterday (Wednesday).

A spokesman for Herts Police said that between 1-3pm, a woman in her 90s was contacted by someone claiming to be from the Metropolitan Police.

The caller allegedly instructed the woman to withdraw cash from her account to assist a police investigation, after they said her account had been compromised and that her bank was using counterfeit notes.

A private hire vehicle was sent to the address to collect the money. At this stage the police had already been called and stopped two people, who were subsequently arrested.

A 31-year-old man from London has been released on police bail until September 16 and a 16-year-old boy, also from London, has been released on police bail until September 30, while the investigation continues.

If you have any information about this incident you can contact the independent crime-fighting charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through its anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Herts Police have issued the following advice on unexpected phone calls:

• The police and banks would never ask for your bank account details or PIN number over the phone, so do not disclose these to anyone, no matter who they claim to be

• They would never ask you to withdraw money and send it to them via a courier, or taxi

• Also, banks and the police would never ask you to send your bank cards, or any other personal property, to them via courier, taxi or by any other means

If you are not happy with a phone call and are suspicious of the conversation you have with the caller then end the call and contact police via the non-emergency number, 101.

But, remember, when reporting a suspicious phone call to police, wait at least five minutes before attempting to make the call or use a mobile or neighbour’s phone to ensure you’re not reconnected to the offender.

For further information about phone scams and how to avoid becoming a victim, see www.herts.police.uk/PhoneScams