THIS is the face of a man police want to quiz after a pensioner was conned out of cash in Hampshire.

The woman, aged in her 70s, received a telephone call from someone claiming to be a police officer asking her to withdrawn a “significant” amount of cash from her account as part of an investigation and hand it to a courier who would pick it up from her home in Winchester High Street.

She did so and when asked to withdraw more money from her account her bank became suspicious and contacted police.

Now officers are warning others in the county to beware similar scams.

Detective Constable Alex Hall from the Northern Investigation Team said: ''I am appealing for anyone who may have seen this man in or around the Littleton area or who may have seen him in a vehicle.

“This type of fraud against vulnerable people is cruel and swift. The key message is never to give your card to anyone, never give your PIN to anyone, and never agree to visit your bank to take out cash if someone calls you to tell you there is a problem with your bank account.”

“If you are telephoned, hang up, wait five minutes and call Police on 101 or your bank on the telephone number provided on your card, not a number you have been given over the telephone.

“Ensure there is a dial tone on your phone first before you call, or better still, call from a friend's house or mobile. This is because the telephone line sometimes remains open as the person who called you does not hang up, and you are still connected to the person trying to trick you.

“Your local police officer or PCSO can talk to you about this, or visit Action Fraud website or call them for more information about staying as safe as possible. Please share this message with older or vulnerable family and friends.”

It is believed more than one person is involved in the scam.

The ‘courier’ is described as Asian, around 5ft 8ins tall, aged in his early 20s with short jet black hair with a wispy dark beard and moustache.

Officers have also released the following advice for anyone worried about a potential fraud:

• Never give out any 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 the call and advise that you will call them back using the 101 number. A genuine police officer will not mind waiting while you check. Call them back from a different phone if possible or wait at least 10 minutes before making the call.

• If you have given out information which could compromise your bank account security in any way, call your bank up to cancel your cards as soon as possible.

• Never hand over money to someone at the door to be sent off elsewhere.

• If someone comes to your door claiming to be a police officer or staff member, always ask for identification and make a note of their identification number. Ask them to wait while you verify their identity. Close the door and call 101.

Anyone with information should contact DC Hall on 101.