People in Hucknall and across Nottinghamshire are being told to be extra vigilant amid reports that scammers are impersonating police officers.

Fraudsters are targeting people across the county in phone call scams and Nottinghamshire Police is encouraging people to warn elderly or vulnerable family and friends.

The fraudsters are manipulative and try to convince the person they are calling that they are assisting with an ongoing investigation.

In one incident last week, a man in his 80s was persuaded to withdraw a large sum as part of a covert police operation. The victim was told his bank was suspected of distributing counterfeit bank notes and that officers needed him to withdraw £8,000 so the notes could be checked.

Detective Sergeant Thomas Rawlings, of Nottinghamshire Police's fraud investigation unit, said: "We have received a number of reports of elderly people being called by a fraudster pretending to be a police officer.

"Fraudsters like this are extremely manipulative, sound professional and are very convincing in order to gain a victim's trust.

"In some instances the trickster claims to be calling from West Midlands Police and in others he has said he is calling from Bedfordshire Police.

"Sadly one person became a victim to the scam and handed over their hard-earned savings to them.

"Police officers would never call anyone and ask them to hand over money or bank cards in this way, and we urge members of the public to be vigilant and not fall prey to the tricksters.

"If you become suspicious of the caller then please call a relative or call the police before providing anything, including information, to a cold caller."

In light of the recent reports, Nottinghamshire Police are advising the public that neither police nor bank officials will ever ask people to withdraw money from their account, purchase anything or hand over their personal details or passwords.

They also urge anyone who believes they are being targeted by a scammer to hang up the phone and use a different phone line to call Action Fraud or the police, as scammers have a way to stay on the line. If this isn't possible because the person being targeted doesn't have access to a different phone line, they should wait for a period of time and try calling a family member or friend first to make sure the scammer is no longer on the line.

The public are also reminded that just because someone knows basic details about them like their address or date of birth, it doesn't mean they are genuine bank or police employees.

Suspicious phone calls should always be questioned and reported to Action Fraud or the police.

Anyone who thinks they or someone they know has been defrauded, can report it by calling Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or Action Fraud online by calling 0300 123 2040 or by clicking here.

People are advised to call 999 if a person they suspect to be a fraudster is at their address.