Police are re-issuing a warning to residents after a number of people have been targeted by phone scams. 

So far this month, nine people have been targeted in Radlett, with the age of people called ranging from late 40s to late 80s. Three people in St Albans and one person in Harpenden were also targeted.

An 86-year-old man from Radlett was called by a person claiming to be a police officer investigating fraudulent activity on the man’s account. The man was called between Monday, November 17, and Wednesday, November19. Each day the fraudsters asked for money, which they claimed was needed for forensics. 

On the first and second day the man parted with money, which was handed over to a courier, and on the third day he became suspicious and declined to give the offenders any further cash. At this point he contacted police. He lost almost all his life’s savings.

In similar circumstances, on Wednesday, November 19, an 84-year-old man, also from Radlett, was contacted by someone claiming to be a police officer. Again, the fraudsters convinced the man that they were genuine and that his money was needed for forensic examination. The man withdrew a large sum of cash and it was collected by a courier.

Local Crime Unit Detective Sergeant James Twitchett said: "These scams are absolutely disgraceful as the fraudsters shamefully target the elderly and vulnerable. We need the public’s help to raise awareness of these scams and the advice regarding what people should do if they receive an unexpected telephone call. Please share the following information with your relatives, friends and neighbours.

"I would like to make it absolutely clear that there will never be any circumstance in which the police or banks would ask anyone to withdraw any amount of money and send it to them via a taxi, courier or any other means. If someone asks you to do this and claim they work for the police or bank, they are lying and you should end the call straight away."