AN ELDERLY woman in Moreton has become a victim of courier fraud after handing over £20,000 in a scam.

On Thursday, May 26, the woman received a call from a man claiming to be a police officer who said that her bank account had been compromised and she needed to transfer money to another account which he would open on the victim's behalf.

The fraudster said that he would send couriers round to collect the money and when they arrived the victim handed over more than £20,000.

Detective Sergeant Michael Prentice, of the Force Intelligence Bureau, said: "These are heartless crimes which target the most vulnerable and trusting members of our society, defrauding them of their life savings.

"Please be aware that banks and police officers will never ask for your PIN or account details over the phone and never ask you to transfer money to another account.

"If you get a call like this hang up and phone the police and your bank immediately using a different phone, in case the fraudster is still on the line. Do not be pressured into giving any details or handing over any money.

"Please share this information with family, friends and neighbours who you think might be vulnerable to this kind of offence."

Anyone with information about courier fraud, or who sees any suspicious activity, is asked to call Gloucestershire Constabulary on 101.