AN elderly Bradford on Avon couple have been left extremely distressed after falling victim to a scam phone call that has left them £7,500 out of pocket.

On Wednesday, at around 1.30pm, the couple received a call from a person who claimed to be a police officer.

The couple were told their bank card had been cloned and used in an attempt to buy a television in Whitechapel, London.

They were told that, in order to catch those responsible, they would have to consolidate all funds in their bank account and withdraw euros to the value of £7,500.

The couple did so, and then travelled to London and handed the cash over to a man posing as a fraud squad officer at Paddington station. The man is described as Asian and was wearing a grey hoodie.

Wiltshire Police have now reminded residents to be vigilant of scam phone calls involving people posing as police officers.

PC Daniel Chaventre said: “I would like to urge residents to be aware of this scam and remain vigilant.

"We have had a number of similar reports of this scam attempt in the last week and by raising awareness, we hope that it may prevent further offences being committed.

“Please speak to your elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives and ensure they are aware of this scam.

“Please remember that a police officer or member of police staff will never ask you to withdraw money and give it to them as part of an investigation.

“The couple involved in this incident, who are aged in their 70s and 80s, have been left extremely upset and we are doing all we can to identify those involved.”

Anyone wishing to report a scam phone call should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the online reporting tool: www.actionfraud.police.uk