An Eastleigh woman in her 80s has been scammed out of £16,900 after being targeted by fraudsters.

It comes as Hampshire police are warning residents to remain vigilant following six reports of courier fraud in the county since January 2024.

On March 2, police were told that a woman in her 80s from Eastleigh was scammed out of £16,900 after she was contacted by someone pretending to be from her bank’s fraud team.

She was told that she had been scammed and she needed to hand over her bank cards and mobile phone so they could resolve the issue.  

A courier then attended her home address to collect her bank cards, PINs and mobile phone.

She was told to not reveal the original ‘scam’ to anyone and that she shouldn’t leave her address.

The fraudsters also said she should be available to take calls from them so they could provide her with updates.

READ MORE: Hampshire police officers nominated for National Police Bravery Awards

Between February 29, and March 2, a total of £16,900 was withdrawn from locations including Eastleigh and London.

Speaking about the dangers of courier fraud, Detective Constable Michael Dumbleton, from the Economic Crime Unit, commented: “These fraudsters are heartless individuals who prey on some of the most vulnerable people living in our area.

“The scammers will constantly look at new ways to get money from people and it seems they are taking a more direct approach by telling elderly victims they have been scammed, or that their cards have expired.

“The suspects then withdraw a lot of cash and make high value purchases in electronic or designer clothing stores.”

He added: “Victims of courier fraud can be any age, but the victims in the incidents currently being investigated range from 67 and 99 years old.

“I urge anyone who has an elderly relative to make them aware of this type of fraud as soon as possible.”

Meanwhile, on February 19, officers received a report that a man in 70s from Fareham had been scammed out of more than £2,300 after he was contacted by someone claiming to be from a bank who said he had been the victim of fraud.

He received a number of calls on WhatsApp and was told someone from their fraud team would come to his home address and collect his bank cards.

Between February 12 and 18 February, £2,341 was withdrawn from his account.