A CHARITY that helps some of the most vulnerable members of society has been swindled out of almost £30,000 - four weeks before Christmas.

Southampton City Mission (SCM), which provides free food and clothing for thousands of struggling families, has fallen victim to smooth-talking conmen.

The fraudsters posed as bank officials investigating what they described as unusual activity involving an account in Northern Ireland.

Armed with the charity’s bank details they made a 45-minute phone call in which they obtained confidential information that enabled them to steal tens of thousands of pounds from its reserves.

Now church leaders are calling for donations to help SCM continue to run its food and clothing banks.

Chris Davis, who heads the organisation, said: “The theft has been a huge blow to a local charity that serves some of the neediest families in the city.

“To target food and clothes banks as the charity approaches Christmas - its busiest season - is particularly heartless.

“There’s no immediate threat to the charity but in the longer term we’re going to have to work hard to replace the stolen funds.

“Once money has been stolen from an account it can be somewhere else in the world in seconds. The impact on staff has been tough.”

Charity patron, the Bishop of Southampton, the Right Rev Jonathan Frost said: “SCM plays a vital role in supporting some of the most vulnerable and marginalised members of our community. I hope the people of Southampton will give generously to help SCM replace the stolen funds and continue its excellent work.”

Dan Clark is the vicar of Saint James by the Park, Shirley - one of the parishes that support the charity. He said: “I was devastated when I heard that SCM had become a victim to one of these very professional scams. They’re an asset to our city, doing great work through its Basics Bank and in local schools.

“Bishop Jonathan and I are encouraging churches across the city to hold a special gift day for SCM. I know they’d value donations from other members of the public as well.”

SCM has already taken action to reduce the risk of the fraudsters striking again.

Mr Davis, who described the thieves as “callous”, said: “The security on the account has been doubled to prevent any re-occurrence and the Mission has been quick to contact all of their donors and payees to prevent them falling victim to a similar scam.

“The matter has been reported to ActionFraud, the ICO and the Charity Commission.”

An ActionFraud spokesman said: “If you receive an unsolicited e-mail or phone call from what appears to be your bank never reveal your full password, login details or account numbers.” Most banks will not approach their customers in this manner.

“If you are concerned about the source of a call, ask the caller to give you a main switchboard number for you to be routed back to them.

“Alternatively, hang up and call your bank back on the legitimate phone number printed on your bank statements.”

SCM has been working since 1996. In 2015 the Basics Bank fed people 8,566 times and clothed them 1,721 times. Donations to the SCM can be made via its website - southamptoncitymission.co.uk/financial-support.