POLICE are investigating after three Hampshire pensioners were conned into parting with a total of £25,000.

The three victims - all in their 80s - handed over the cash after receiving calls from bogus police officers targeting householders in Itchen Abbas, Waltham Chase and Colden Common.

In each case the fake officer said they were probing fraudulent transactions affecting the pensioner's bank account.

A police spokesman said: "The victims were asked to withdraw cash from their bank and check the serial numbers. They were then advised that some of the money was counterfeit and a courier was sent to collect it.

"We're concerned there may be other victims who are unaware that they have been the victim of fraud.

"We would never request anyone to withdraw or hand over money. If anyone receives such a call, they should contact us on 101 from a different telephone."

Now police are urging families to make sure their elderly relatives are aware of what are known as courier frauds.

"This type of fraud starts with a telephone call from someone pretending to be from the police or your bank," said the spokesman.

"The fraudster claims there's an issue with your card or bank account and gets you to reveal personal information, including your PIN number.

"Once they have the information a courier will be sent to collect the card, which they then use to withdraw money from your account.

"There are many variations on this including being told that you have an outstanding tax bill or loan you need to pay off to avoid being arrested.

"Fraudsters may also ask you to buy a high value item to help identify counterfeit goods or to withdraw a large amount of money to catch a corrupt member of staff at the bank or Post Office.

"Never give out personal information about your bank account to anybody over the phone.

"If someone calls claiming to be a police officer, ask for their identification number and police force. Hang up and call 101 using a different phone.

"If you can’t use a different phone, wait at least five minutes before calling back. A genuine police officer will not mind waiting while you check.

"Police and banks will never ask you to give out personal details such as account numbers or PIN numbers."