POLICE have warned people in Gloucestershire of phone scams after a 69-year-old woman was conned out of nearly £25,000.

Fraudsters involved in the incident claimed they were investigating a crime at her bank and she handed over the money.

The woman, who lives in the Stroud area, took phone calls from two men on Monday, August 14, saying that someone at the local branch was stealing money and to ensure that her accounts were safe she should transfer her money by instalments to another account.

She transferred three amounts - £9,000, £7,000 and £8,500 - to their account before realising that it was a scam.

The incident has been reported to her bank, police and Action Fraud.

Gloucestershire Constabulary is now warning other residents to be on their guard against such calls and to make sure they do not give out personal details to unsolicited callers.

Banks will never call you to ask for your banking details, including PIN, nor ask you to move money to another account.

If you think you have been a victim of fraud let your bank know and call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.