A SCAM warning has been issued after residents were conned into handing over thousands of pounds.

Police say the fraudsters telephoned their victims, claiming to be officers who said they were investigating the use of counterfeit money by banks.

They conned their victims into withdrawing money from the band so that it could be collected by couriers and tested.

Between August 7 and August 22, there were three reported incidents in East Hampshire.

The fraudsters targeted a man in his 80s from Liphook, a man in his 80s from Petersfield and a woman in her 80s, also from Petersfield, who were all persuaded to hand over cash worth thousands of pounds.

Officers have spoken to all three victims and will follow-up to provide advice and reassurance.

Residents are being urged to:

•Please remember that police officers will never call people in this way and ask you to withdraw money or disclose personal or financial information. If someone does do this, please hang up – it will be a scam.

•Consider contacting your telephone provider to get a free call-blocking service if you are getting unsolicited calls.

•If you are a friend, relative or carer of someone you think might be vulnerable to this type of scam, please speak to them about this advice. You might be the only person who can stop them from being scammed.

Anyone with information on this type of fraud can report it to police by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, dial 999.

For more information visit the Action Fraud website (https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/) or call 0300 123 2040.