CRIMINALS posing as police fraud investigators to con vulnerable residents out of money struck 13 times in six days in Reigate and Banstead.
The borough's safer neighbourhood police team has launched a crackdown on the fraudsters, who often telephone posing as Metropolitan Police officers, and ask residents to disclose their bank or card details over the phone.
Police in Surrey and Sussex are carrying out a joint operation to tackle the fraud, which has been occurring in the South East since February, when more than £4,000 was stolen in three scams on the south coast.
Officers are warning residents to be on their guard and urge victims to avoid using the phone which scammers called on when they contact police.
Detective Chief Inspector Ali Eaton, of the Surrey and Sussex Police Specialist Crime Command, said: "Under no circumstances would the police or your bank request your PIN number over the telephone, or arrange collection of your bank cards from your home address in this manner.
"Never give out your bank details to someone who has contacted you on your home phone unsolicited.
"If you have any suspicions, please do not use the phone you have just been called on to contact the police or your bank. If possible use another phone to contact the police to report it."
Police in Reigate and Banstead issued a warning after 12 incidents of fraudsters calling residents and attempting to get bank details were reported between June 15 and 19.
A subsequent incident was then reported on June 20.
DCI Eaton added: "I urge anyone reading or hearing this message to pass it on to any friends and relatives who may not be aware of this particular type of targeted fraud, to prevent any vulnerable friends or family members from becoming victims."
To help raise awareness of fraud, charity Crimestoppers has created a "Game of Fraud" section on its website featuring an online survey with information on the different types of fraud taking place. A quiz shows the types of fraud you and those around you might be most susceptible to.
Lord Michael Ashcroft, founder and chairman of Crimestoppers, said: "New and emerging fraud-types are becoming increasingly complex."
He added: "These scams affect individuals from all walks of life, anyone can become a victim."
Visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org for more information. Police can be contacted on 101.
A man has been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation and has been remanded in custody.
