Bogus police officers scam people out of savings

Police have issued a warning after fraudsters posing as police officers conned two people out of their savings.

Lincolnshire Police said the incidents took place in Skegness on Wednesday.

The victims were told they needed to hand over cash as part of an investigation into allegations of fraud or money laundering at their bank.

"We cannot emphasise enough how convincing these criminals are," investigating officers added.

In both incidents, the victims were contacted by someone impersonating a police officer. In one case, the name of DC Martin from the Met Police was given.

A man then turned up at both of the victims' homes and collected cash from each of them. Police said he gave a pre-agreed password and was wearing a face mask.

Officers said the perpetrator asked people to hand over cash so they could test it for fingerprints and asked the victim not to tell anyone as it would compromise the investigation.

The force said a police officer would never ask people to hand over money, pin numbers or bank cards.

Lincolnshire Police warned it is common for criminals to repeatedly target an area before moving on to surrounding areas.

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