POLICE have released images of seven people wanted in connection with a series of cash scams in which £200,000 was conned out of vulnerable pensioners.

Officers are investigating 72 linked offences, across seven east London boroughs including Waltham Forest and Redbridge.

The scams involved con artists phoning elderly victims and claiming to be police officers investigating a fraud on their bank account.

The thief would then ask for their bank account details before going to the elderly pensioner's house to pick up the bank card, saying they need to run it through a machine at New Scotland Yard to identify the person responsible for the fraud.

Sometimes the victims would be given a reference number or codeword, or asked to place their card in an envelope and write the pin number on a slip of paper.

They were told not to speak to anyone about the incident as it would jeopardise the investigation.

In November last year an 88-year-old Redbridge woman was telephoned on a number of occasions by a man claiming to be a police officer.

Having gained her trust, a man visited her house and collected her card, more than £12,000 was then stolen from her account.

The card details would be used to spend money in retial outlets and betting shops.

A total of 12 people have been arrested in connection with the scam so far, but police have now released pictures of seven more people they would like to speak to.

Investigating officer Acting Det Chief Insp Chris Krelle said: “These cowardly offences are being committed against the most frail and vulnerable people in our communities.

"Our investigation continues, and we appeal to anyone who recognises the faces of those people on CCTV, or has any information that can assist our enquiries, to contact us.

“It is very important that we identify the offenders and bring them to account for their actions.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 01708 779283 or, if you wish to remain anonymous, please contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

HAVE you been a victim of this scam? Please call the newsdesk on 07824530127 or email carlbrown@london.newsquest.co.uk