VULNERABLE residents have been warned to be vigilant after an 86-year-old woman in Southampton became the latest victim of fraudsters.

The elderly woman was told by a man on the phone that her account had been compromised and that they needed to collect her bank cards.

They then offered to send a courier to her home and shortly afterwards a man arrived at her front door and the victim placed her cards in an envelope and handed it to them.

But the pensioner quickly realised something was not right and was able to get her cards cancelled before any money was stolen from her accounts.

Police are now investigating the incident – the third of its kind on the same day in the Shirley area of the city.

The scam is not new to Hampshire, with the first incidents being reported to police last year.

Among those targeted were an 81-year-old man in Wellow, an 85-year-old in Braishfield, an 87-year-old in Ampfield and an 88-year-old in Sherfield English.

In August last year a 70-yearold man from Wellow also fell victim to the conmen and withdrew £10,000 from his bank account which he handed over to a taxi driver who arrived at his door.

Each of the cases bear similar hallmarks and have prompted a fresh warning from officers investigating the crimes.

Detective inspector Sue Orr said: “People across Hampshire have lost large sums of cash as a result of this fraud as often the elderly and vulnerable are targeted.

“We want to warn residents that these requests are no genuine and that no police officer or bank would operate in this manner.”

Residents are reminded to never give out bank details over the phone, to ask for identification from anyone claiming to be a police officer, and never to hand over money at the door to be sent anywhere.

Anyone who is concerned about similar incidents can contact police by calling 101 or if a crime is in progress by calling 999.