A suspected fraudster who posed as a police officer in an attempt to scam a man has been arrested.

The victim, from Watford, was asked to withdraw £2,000 and pass it to a courier after being misleadingly told that police were investigating criminal activity on their bank account.

But after realising the withdrawal request was unusual while at the bank, the victim alerted police.

Officers worked with the victim to lure the courier to the victim’s address, and the courier ran off once confronted by police.

The man, 32, from south east London was then arrested in the Weall Green area on suspicion of fraud by false representation. He has been released while investigations continue.

Detective Inspector Rob Burns, from the Serious Fraud and Cyber Unit, said: “This was a great piece of partnership working between police and banking staff and the quick response of the bank staff undoubtedly saved the victim losing thousands of pounds.

“It’s vital to remember that police officers or bank staff would never ask you to withdraw cash or ask for people’s bank details, like a PIN. You should never give your bank details to anyone.

“Usually the intended victim realises the call is not genuine and refuses to part with their personal and bank details. However, these fraudsters can be very persuasive and insistent, which has resulted in some people falling victim to this scam and subsequently losing thousands of pounds from their accounts.”

If you are not happy with a phone call and are suspicious of the conversation you have with the caller, end the call and dial 101 or report online herts.police.uk/Report/Report