AN INVESTIGATION has been launched by police after an 85-year-old woman was defrauded out of money.

The victim, from Weston-super-Mare, was contacted by telephone on Wednesday (October 30) by a person claiming to be from her bank.

They told her that her card had been compromised and they needed the PIN number, which she gave.

The offenders arranged for a courier to attend the victim’s house and collect the card before using it in a local bank to withdraw money.

DI Clement Goodwin said: “It’s hard to imagine the callousness of people who commit offences like this against some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

“I’d like to encourage people to speak to their elderly relatives, friends and neighbours and make them aware of this latest scam.

"Banks will never ask you for your PIN number of come to your home to collect a bank card.

“If anyone has information which could help our inquiry, please call us on 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5219251253.”

You can access crime prevention advice on courier fraud and a range of other scams on the Action Fraud website here: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/courier-fraud

You can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or via their Anonymous Online Form.

No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not go to court or have to speak to police when contacting Crimestoppers.