Residents have been praised for refusing to part with their bank details after receiving calls from bogus police officers running a phone scam.

Two people in Letchworth GC and one resident in Knebworth were targeted on Thursday.

The scam, which is widespread across the country, involves the offenders calling people, mainly aged 60 and over, pretending to be a police officer.

They claim they are investigating a fraud or theft from their bank account and request the resident’s bank details, including PIN numbers. The resident is then asked to hand over their cards to a ‘courier’ who is sent to collect them. In some cases the resident is asked to withdraw a large amount of cash which is collected.

Detective Inspector Jason Keane, from Hertfordshire police, said: “These residents did exactly the right thing. They suspected the callers were suspicious, refused to hand over their bank details and called police. I would urge anyone faced with a similar call to do the same.

“I’d reassure people that a police officer would not ask you to reveal your personal bank account details, including your PIN or bank card.

“Offenders appear to be deliberately targeting older people and we would urge people to share this information and advice with their elderly relatives or neighbours so they are aware.”

Last month the Comet reported how more than 100 people had reported suspicious calls in the county since the beginning of the year, including residents from Stevenage, Letchworth GC and Hitchin.

Of these 100 calls, nine people actually handed over their bank cards or cash.

In response, Herts police launched Operation Policy to try and catch the scammers.

If you have received a suspicious phone call, ring the police non-emergency number 101.