Reports of telephone scams in Kent have sparked a police warning for the public to remain vigilant from fraudsters posing as police officers.

Three people have reported being targeted by scam artists including one person in West Kingsdown on June 21.

Cold callers are claiming to be officers of Kent Police's fraud department or the Metropolitan Police based at Charing Cross.

They then claim fraudulent activity has taken place in their bank accounts and that thy should withdraw large sums of money for a courier to collect as the notes were 'counterfeit'. Fraudsters claimed that items were illegally brought or transactions deleted from bank statements.

In two of four cases, money was handed over to the thieves.

Detective Inspector Annie Clayton, from Kent Police, said: "These fraudsters tend to target the most vulnerable members of our society, in particular the elderly, and do come across as very plausible on the phone.

"They may even know some of your personal details, such as a name or an address – details that are easy to obtain from a phonebook.

"Remember that we will never instruct you to withdraw money over the phone. If you are ever suspicious of a call, hang up immediately and wait five minutes to ensure your line is clear.

"You can then call us on 101 to report the suspicious activity, or clarify whether you had actually been contacted by us."

Anyone who has information that may help is asked to contact Kent Police on 01634 792209 quoting reference SI/XY/6990/17 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Advice on fraud is available on Kent Police website.