A clued-up Ketton pensioner thwarted an attempt by a so-called courier fraudster posing as a police officer.

The woman, in her 70s, received a telephone call last week from someone claiming to be a London-based police officer conducting a fraud investigation.

But the intended victim became suspicious and said she wanted to verify the caller's identity and started dialling on her mobile - at which point the fraudster put down the phone.

In the light of this latest attempt, Leicestershire Police is urging Rutland residents to warn elderly relatives and neighbours about the fraud where victims have been duped out of large sums of money or jewellery.

Paul Wenlock, from Leicestershire Police economic crime unit, said: "In the majority of cases we know elderly and vulnerable people are being targeted by these scammers.

"They sound plausible and victims do get taken in by what they are being told.

"We are asking the public to help us by informing their neighbours or relatives about these offences.

"They should be advised that police officers would never contact them in this way."

advertisement

Anyone receiving a suspicious call should disconnect straight away and report the incident to the police using another telephone, as on some occasions calls can remain connected.