A SOUTHAMPTON pensioner, in her 90s, was conned out of more than £4,500 after falling victim to a bogus police scam.

Another woman in her 60s was also targeted by telephone, but hung up after becoming suspicious.

Now real police officers from Hampshire Constabulary are warning others about the "convincing" con.

The force say they have had a number of reports of fraudulent phone calls to residents in the Southampton area.

Officers say the scam begins with a bogus police officer calling the intended victim claiming there has been fraudulent activity in the target's bank account.

The bogus officer tells the victim to withdraw money from their bank account, often claiming that their card has been cloned and the money needs to be withdrawn before someone spends it.

Other versions of the scam include the officer saying that the money is counterfeit and they need it as evidence for an investigation.

The con artists then arrange a "courier" to pick up the cash.

The 90-year-old from Southampton handed over the cash to the courier on March 15 – the same day as the call was made.

A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: "They are very convincing and unfortunately it means people end up handing over thousands of pounds.

"Although anyone can fall for a scam, some people are more vulnerable. Often older or elderly people are targeted.

"If you are a carer, relative, friend or neighbour of someone who is vulnerable, you might be the only person who can stop them from being scammed.

"Talk to them and make sure they know what to look out for when it comes to scams.

"Just remember, police officers, banks, or any other authority figure will not call you and ask you for your bank details, personal, or financial information."

For more information on how to protect yourself from fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.