Police believe two attempted phone scams are linked after elderly people in Carpenders Park and South Oxhey were asked to give over their bank details over the phone on Monday morning.

A man in his late 80s from South Oxhey was called by a man pretending to be a detective with the Metropolitan Police at around 10.15am.

The conman is alleged to have said that the resident’s card had been cloned and asked for information about his bank account, but the resident refused and put the phone down.

Another man in his mid 80s received a call at around 11.15am from a man who was pretending to be a police officer investigating a fraudulent usage of his debit card and said he required his card details, including the three digit security number.

But the resident refused and immediately contacted his bank.

No money was taken in either of the incidents.

Hertfordshire Constabulary believe the incidents are linked and re-enforcing advice given on Wednesday, October 1.

Officers said: "If you receive a call you’re not expecting, you should be suspicious. The vital things to remember are that your bank and the police would: • NEVER ask for your bank account details or PIN number over the phone, so do not disclose these to anyone, no matter who they claim to be.

• NEVER ask you to withdraw money and send it to them via a courier, taxi or by any other means.

• NEVER ask you to send your bank cards, or any other personal property, to them via courier, taxi or by any other means.