ELDERLY and vulnerable residents in south Wiltshire have been scammed out of hundreds pounds.

Three similar incidents, which took place on Monday and Tuesday, and last month (August 28), have been reported to police.

The victims received a call from someone pretending to be from their bank who tell them that their debit/credit cards need to be replaced for various reasons and send a "courier" to collect the cards.

The elderly victims from East Grimstead, Fovant, and Salisbury were tricked into giving their PIN and handing over the cards when a "courier" came to their door a short time later.

The cards were then immediately used with hundreds of pounds being stolen.

Detective Sergeant Jem Horner said: "We are following a number of leads and liaising with neighbouring forces who have also had similar reports of such scams.

"We need the community to highlight the scam to friends and relatives, especially the vulnerable, so that we can try and prevent anyone else from becoming a victim of these callous thieves.

"Police officers or banks will never contact customers and ask for their PIN and would not ask you to hand over your cards. If you think your card or personal information has been compromised contact your bank immediately."

Anyone with information is asked to call Salisbury CID on 101, quoting reference 54190085210.

Alternatively, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040