POLICE are warning Cheshire residents not to fall victim to phone fraudsters posing as police officers.

Cheshire Police are currently investigating an incident that occurred on Tuesday, June 28 relating to an elderly couple who received several phone calls from a man who said he was from the Metropolitan Police.

The couple were told that their credit cards and bank account had been compromised, they were also informed that the offenders, who worked at the bank, had counterfeit money.

The caller then advised the victims to withdraw as much cash as possible from their account as it may have been counterfeit.

After withdrawing the money the couple then received another call telling them that a man would be coming to their home to pick up the money so that it could be checked.

The offender is described as of Asian origin, approximately 5ft 5ins tall, with short black hair and possibly a moustache.

The man was wearing dark clothing.

Chief Insp Mike Evans said: "This is an extremely callous act, and as a result of this incident the victims have lost a large amount of money.

“In addition to this case we have also had other reports from residents in the Chester area that we believe have been targeted by the same offenders. Thankfully, in the other cases the victims have not fallen for the scam and no money was taken.

“Although these incidents occurred in Chester, we know from past experience that phone frauds tend to happen more than once as offenders target the area before moving on to the next.

“That’s why we are advising residents across the county to be aware of this latest scam and bear in mind the following advice if you receive a cold call."

Anyone who is a victim of this scam should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and Police on 101.

Anyone with information about this incident contact Cheshire Police on 101 quoting 917 of 28 June 2016. Alternatively information can be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.