POLICE have issued a warning after two pensioners were targeted by men posing as police officers in Chingford.

An 87-year-old woman in Chingford Mount Road and an 89-year-old man in Maida Way alerted family after receiving suspicious telephone calls last Thursday (April 7).

The caller said he was a police officer investigating suspected bank fraud and needed to take them to their branch to collect statements.

The common con is used to obtain bank details so money can be withdrawn from accounts.

In both cases, the victims’ families alerted police and the con men did not arrive to pick them up.

Detective Sergeant Paul Collicott, of Waltham Forest CID, said: "If you are suspicious about anyone who telephones claiming to be a police officer, make a note of as much information as possible, do not give out any detail and ask for a number to call them back.

“Then contact the police on 0300 123 12 12 to report it.

“Never hand over any bank cards to someone who calls at your door or give any information about your bank accounts out over the phone."

Anyone with information about either incident should call Waltham Forest Police on 0300 123 1212 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

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