Four Thanet residents were targeted in one morning as part of a courier fraud scam where the caller claimed to be a Metropolitan police officer.

The victims, from Broadstairs and Margate, reported being called by a man on Tuesday December, 19, who claimed their bank card had been used in Covent Garden.

When asked for their card details and home address they refused to share this information.

The officer then said if they didn’t cooperate they would be taken to a police station but they didn’t have any further contact from the caller.

Detective sergeant Marc Cananur said: “These people showed great courage in refusing to share their bank details and prevented their finances being put a risk.

“It is encouraging that they were able to spot the signs and report it but I am concerned that there are people who may have been targeted and didn’t realise they were being scammed.

"I would urge anyone who feels that may have been a victim of fraud to get in touch.”

The police have issued the following advice:

• The police or your bank will never send a courier to your home to collect your bank card or other items and will never ask for cash, valuables, or your PIN.
• If you receive one of these calls end it immediately without providing information.
• If you wish to call your bank use a number known to you, not one provided by the caller. Call from another phone, or call a friend first to ensure the offenders have been disconnected from your line.
• If you’ve handed over any personal bank details to the fraudster, call your bank and cancel your cards immediately.
• If you feel you have been a victim of courier fraud or know someone who has report it to Kent Police via 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.