BOGUS police officers have conned pensioners in the New Forest into parting with amounts of more than £8,000.

In each case someone claiming to be a policeman has called at the home of an elderly resident and asked them to withdraw money to help officers involved in an investigation.

A police spokesman said: "They tell residents they've been a victim of fraud and money in their bank has been replaced with counterfeit money by criminals.

"The ‘police officer’ says he needs the money as evidence and tells them to go to their bank to withdraw the cash.

"The callers have been very convincing, saying they need the money and telling the residents to tell bank staff that the large withdrawal is for a car.

"Residents have been asked to withdraw more than £8,000 in cash in a single transaction.

"The fraudster then arranges a person to collect the money from their home address either later that day or in a few days’ time stating that genuine money would be put back into the account upon receipt of the counterfeit notes."

Det Con Adam Knight said: “A police officer would never ask a member of the public for money in this way.

“If you want to check they are genuine, ask for their name and collar number, hang up and call 101 to check they are genuine.

"Wait until you hear a dial tone to make the call, or use a different phone, such as a mobile."