A teenager has been charged after an elderly man was allegedly told he needed to hand cash over to a courier.

Kent Police received a report that on Tuesday, January 23 , a pensioner had withdrawn money from his bank account after receiving a phone call from a woman who said she worked for his bank.

She said his credit card had been used fraudulently and transferred him to a man who said he was a police officer.

This person then allegedly told the victim, who is in his 80s, his money needed to be protected from fraudsters and should be handed to a courier who would visit his home address.

The teenager from Kings Cross, was arrested two days later on 25 January outside the victim’s home address in Swanley.

He was subsequently charged with fraud and was later bailed to appear before Medway Youth Court on Tuesday February 20.

Police are now warning residents to be vigilant, and have shared advice to ensure you're protected.

A spokesman for Kent Police said: "The police or your bank will never send a courier to your home to collect your bank card or other items and will never ask for cash, valuables, or your PIN.

"If you receive one of these calls end it immediately without providing information.

"If you wish to call your bank use a number known to you, not one provided by the caller. Call from another phone, or call a friend first to ensure the offenders have been disconnected from your line.

"If you’ve handed over any personal bank details to the fraudster, call your bank and cancel your cards immediately."