Bogus police scam nets �200,000

Police want to trace these three men over the scam

Fraudsters have conned several pensioners in London out of up to £200,000 by posing as police officers.

The gang members, who talk people into handing over cash cards and pin numbers by claiming to be investigating a fraud, have targeted nine boroughs.

At least 72 elderly people have been taken in by the trick with one 88-year-old woman from Redbridge, east London, losing more than £12,000.

The con artists are both male and female and aged in their early 20s.

Once the gang members take the cash cards they use them in shops and betting stores.

'Cowardly offences'

Pensioners have been targeted in Redbridge, Barking and Dagenham, Havering, Waltham Forest, Newham, Edmonton, Barnet, Sutton and Essex.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Krelle, who is leading the investigation, said: "These cowardly offences are being committed against the most frail and vulnerable people in our communities.

"If you are contacted by anyone who uses the methods we have described, alert police immediately."

Katy Worobec, of anti-fraud organisation Financial Fraud Action UK, said: "In the past year we have seen a rise in scams of this type and anyone could be targeted.

"Our advice, as always, is to never hand out your personal details, pin numbers or security information to anyone.

"Neither the police nor your bank would ever ask you for such information."