POLICE are warning of a scam in which bogus callers claim to be a police officer or work in a bank or fraud department. 

Devon and Cornwall Police said fraudsters create “a sense of urgency and fear” such as telling the victim that their account “has been subject to fraudulent activity”. 

They then convince victims to hand over their bank details, bank cards or withdraw cash, which may be then collected by a person or courier. 

“Any police, bank or fraud department will never ask for your PIN or to transfer or withdraw money,” a Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said. 

“If you receive a call like this it is a scam, please hang up and do not give any information. 

“If you need to contact your bank, please wait at least five to 10 minutes for the line to clear before making a call or clear the line by phoning a friend or family member or make the call on a different phone to the one you were contacted on. 

“If you have already given your bank details over the phone or handed your card details to a courier, call your bank straight away – phone 159 to reach your bank's fraud department directly. 

“Please then report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040 and contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101 or via the website.” 

Police have also asked people to pass on the warning about this type of scam to others.