SCAMMERS are posing as police officers and targeting elderly and vulnerable people in Trafford.

The phony officers are ringing pensioners and asking them to withdraw thousands of pounds from their bank accounts.

Police launched an appeal for information after a woman in her 80s was told to withdraw her savings from her account on Thursday, June 7.

The Timperley pensioner was called by a woman claiming to be a police officer, who told her that they had arrested someone for hacking into her bank account.

The bogus officer then asked the woman how much money she had in her savings account, before instructing her to withdraw the money at her local bank.

The elderly woman went to the bank but then became suspicious of what was happening and alerted the police.

Police are urging anyone who may have had a similar experience to make a report.

Police Constable John McGrath, from GMP’s Trafford borough, said: “It is concerning that someone is pretending to be an officer to exploit innocent people and take their money.

“Police would never ask for detailed account information over the phone or ask you to withdraw money.

“If you suspect a suspicious call take down all the details of the caller and then contact your bank to inform them as well as police.

“We believe other people may have experienced a similar bogus call in the area and would ask that anyone who has, reports this to police at the earliest possible opportunity.”

The scam has been reported throughout the UK and has led to pensioners handing over thousands of pounds in cash.

If you get a call, police advise you to ask for contact details and then hang up the phone and contact police.

You should also use another phone as the conmen will often stay on the line and can intercept your call.

If you or anyone you know has been targeted, you should contact police on 101 or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.