Three elderly residents in Bushey are among those targeted in a spate of phone scams in Hertsmere.

Over the last two weeks there has been a surge reported phone scams in the district.

A woman in her mid-70s from Bushey was called at 7pm on September 29 by a person claiming to be a police officer from Hammersmith.

The caller said they need the woman's help with a fraud investigation. After the woman challenged the caller, the fraudster ended the call.

On the same a woman in her late 80s from Borehamwood and a man in his 70s from Potters Bar were also contacted by person claiming to be a police officer from Hammersmith station, who attempted to obtain their bank details.

A man in his 80s from Bushey Heath was contacted on October 2 at 4pm - again by someone claiming to be from Hammersmith Police Station.

Similar to the previous calls, the caller attempted to obtain the man's bank details but ended the call after being challenged.

On October 6 three residents across the borough were contacted by someone. In one case, a woman in her 30s from Shenley was told she had won a competition and was asked for her bank details, which she refused to provide.

A woman in her late 80s from Bushey was contacted on October 7 by a person claiming to be from Paddington police this time.

The caller told the woman that they had her bank cards. The woman said she did not believe them and hung up.

Detective Constable Rob Wood said: "Thankfully in all the instances the fraudsters’ intended victims did not divulge their banking details, hand over any property or lose any money.

"However, in cases where the fraudsters have been successful in conning people the effects can be devastating. People not only lose their life savings, they also lose their trust and confidence.

"Remember, when reporting a suspicious phone call to police, wait at least five minutes before attempting to make the call or use a mobile or neighbour’s phone to ensure you’re not reconnected to the offender."

Police have advised residents that the police nor banks would ask for anyone's bank details, to withdraw money or send your bank cards via a courier over the phone.