Police have warned that fraudsters are about

A woman who fell victim to a convincing fraud on Saturday night has warned others not to make the same mistake.

The victim, who wishes to remain anonymous, for fear of reprisals, was tricked when a man phoned up pretending to be a police officer.

He called saying he had arrested a man for using her credit card fraudulently at the Apple Store in Regent’s Street.

The crook said he needed some details and the 56-year-old victim ended up giving him her pin number – he then sent a taxi round to pick up her card but she refused to give it up.

She said: “It was really plausible, and they, made it sound like if I didn’t cooperate they would release the man they had arrested.

“I was nearly taken in, so an elderly person could definitely be fooled.”

A police spokesman said: “Members of the public are warned to be vigilant if they receive a phone call purporting to be from the police or bank.

“A genuine police officer will not ask you for your PIN number or card details over the phone. Police will never send a taxi to pick up a card, neither will a bank.”