POLICE are once again warning people to be on the alert after a pensioner from Callow End, near Worcester, was conned into handing over his bank cards.

The incident happened in Wednesday, when the 82-year-old man was phoned up by somebody pretending to be a Natwest customer services representative .

The scammer told the man that his his bank cards had been blocked and arranged to collect his cards from him and deliver new ones.

The victim gave out his pin details and half an hour later a black male described as small and stocky arrived at his front door and collected the bank cards.

At the moment, police are not sure if any money has been taken from the victim's accounts, but all his cards have now been blocked.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who saw the man, and especially if they saw any vehicle he may have been using, anyone with information should call 101, quoting incident number 0269S 110315.

PC Dave Wise said: "It is of great importance that as many people are aware of this ongoing scam as possible. We have found that often the same area is targeted once a first offence has occurred; in light of that our Op Buzzard officers will be out in Callow End knocking doors and delivering leaflets.

"Banks and the police will never ask for pin details and never collect bank cards from the door in this way. Always check ID at the door for any cold caller."

To prevent yourself from falling victim to this crime, follow this guidance:

• Never divulge your PIN.

• Banks and police will not ask for this over the phone and will not come to the house to collect them.

• If you get one of these calls end it and call the police on 999 from another phone, or 101 if this has happened in the past.

• If you have given any details cancel cards immediately.

• If you phone the bank use the number on your banking details – not one given to you by the caller.

• If someone comes to your door pretending to be a police officer remember that they always carry a warrant card. If you have any doubts make them wait outside while you phone the police force. Genuine callers will understand.

• Do not be embarrassed to report a fraud if you have been affected. This is a national scam and you are not alone – many people have been taken in by it.