ELSENHAM residents are being urged to be on their guard against bogus callers and fraudsters after an elderly victim was targeted by suspects impersonating a police officer. Since May 22, police have received two similar reports from elderly residents – o

ELSENHAM residents are being urged to be on their guard against bogus callers and fraudsters after an elderly victim was targeted by suspects impersonating a police officer.

Since May 22, police have received two similar reports from elderly residents - one in Elsenham, the other in Braintree - saying they have been telephoned by a man claiming to be from the Metropolitan Police investigating credit card fraud.

The suspect has asked the victims fro details of their bank accounts and credit cards, and on one occasion a man collected the cards from a victim's house.

Both victims contacted police and arrangements have been put in place to prevent any money being withdrawn from their accounts.

However, officers are reminding people to take precautions.

Chief Insp Nick Lee, of Essex Police, said: "This is a despicable crime against some of the more vulnerable members of our community. I ask all people to remember that they should never divulge any credit card or bank account information over the telephone unless they are certain they know who it is.

"If somebody calls stating that they are from the police, take an extension number and call them back so you can be sure they are who they say they are.

"If someone claims to be from another force, either look up their number to verify their claim or, if in doubt, call us."

Anybody with any information about these incidents is asked to contact Essex Police on 0300 333 4444 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.