Police have released a CCTV image of a man they want to speak to after a pensioner in Carnforth was conned by somebody posing as a police officer.
The elderly man had been contacted by a person claiming to be an officer from Scotland Yard, providing a false name, collar number and team, saying the victim needed to provide his bank details and home address to aid an investigation.
The victim was asked to authorise a bank transaction as part of the investigation, and to provide his bank cards, which were then collected from his home address.
He was told that if he informed anyone of the interactions with the scammers, he would be arrested.
Money from the victim’s account was then spent or withdrawn by the fraudsters.
Police want to speak to the man pictured in connection with the investigation.
If you recognise him, or have any information, please get in touch by calling 101 quoting log 0941 of 4th January.
Lancashire Police said they were doing all they can to find those responsible and bring them to justice.
"We take reports like these very seriously, and we want to remind you of some of the ways to protect yourself from courier fraud," said a police spokesperson.
"Remember that the police, or your bank will NEVER ask you to provide full passwords over the phone, withdraw or transfer money or buy high value items to aid with an investigation.
"Do not hand over any item (including cash or bank cards) or information to anyone that attends your address – police and banking staff would never take bank cards or cash from you – contact the police on 999 in the event that someone comes to the property purporting to be sent from the police or the bank.
"If you receive an unexpected delivery or an item is sent to your address that you have not ordered and you are contacted by a stranger to arrange collection, do not hand over the item and contact the police.
"Do not agree to go into the bank, or use online banking to transfer or withdraw funds at the request of another – notify the cashier if any requests have been made of you by a third party (scammers will often tell a victim that the investigation is covert and not to disclose information).
"Make sure you verify who you are talking to and do not reveal any personal details. Clear the line, and phone us on 101 from a different phone, or wait at least two minutes to contact us, or a trusted person.
"If you have been a victim of fraud, contact your bank on their genuine number to secure your finances.
"Courier fraudsters often prey on some of the most vulnerable people, and we’re now asking you to help us by being vigilant and knowing the signs to protect yourself and others from it.
"Please also let your loved ones, especially those who may be vulnerable to courier fraud, know the signs, to help us all make it harder for these cruel scammers to work.
"If you have any information, no matter how insignificant you think it to be, or if you believe you or someone you know could have been a victim of courier fraud, please get in contact with us."
You can report any incidents to police on 101 or alternatively you can contact Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.
Man arrested in Lancaster after bridge jump hoax call
Local hospice wins national award for Will donation campaign
Cash boost for babies and families at Royal Lancaster Infirmary after fundraising at local golf club
Morecambe’s Pride in Place Board give update on West End investment programme
Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
Beyond the Beat: Two arrests after assault in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe MP "appalled" as Lancashire set to quit refugee resettlement scheme
Replica RAF helicopter to go on display in Lancaster at three-day show
