Bogus bank fraud investigator cons pensioner out of £200,000

A conman has tricked a 75-year-old woman out of £200,000 by posing as a bank fraud investigator.

Residents in the New Forest area have been warned by Hampshire Police to be vigilant after the pensioner was targeted between February and May.

A force spokesman said: "She was tricked into believing she was speaking on the phone to employees of the Halifax fraud squad who told her there had been fraudulent activity on her bank account and asked her to follow their instructions to help them to catch those responsible.

"She was convinced to make cash withdrawals and told the money would be collected from her home address. She was also asked on occasions to transfer money into another bank account."

Detective Constable Dave Wheeler said: "The victim in this case is understandably very upset and shocked by what has happened to her.

"Often victims are left feeling embarrassed and ashamed that they have fallen for these scams but the fraudsters can be very convincing and will prey on those who they consider to be potentially vulnerable.

"We want to warn residents that these requests are not genuine and that no police officer or bank would operate in this manner. Anyone who receives a suspicious call is urged not to give any details to the caller and report the matter to the police immediately."