SCAMMERS claiming to be the police have targeted people in the Forest.

Gloucestershire Police have urged people to be vigilant following reports from Cinderford, Cheltenham and Gloucester.

The fraudster claims to be an officer from the “serious fraud squad” investigating corrupt staff at the victim’s bank or fraudulent card activity.

They will often ask the victim to hang up and dial 999 to confirm they are speaking to a legitimate police officer.

However, this is part of the scam as the phone line is kept open and the victim ends up talking to another fraudster who is also involved in the con.

Cash is then collected by a fake police courier on the victim’s doorstep, or asked to send it to an address via post.

Victims, whose average age is 79 in Gloucestershire, are often told to not tell their friends or family about them “helping” with the investigation.

Police have urged people to warn their elderly or vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours about this type of fraud.

Neither the police or banks will ask people to withdraw cash or give personal information.