POLICE are warning people to be aware of scam callers after two elderly people were targeted.

Two calls were received by elderly women in Horsham.

On July 18 and 19, calls were made to a woman in her 70s and one is her 90s by someone claiming to be a detective from the Metropolitan Police.

One was told her card had been used fraudulently in Birmingham and she needed to withdraw £5,000 as evidence.

She did and handed the money over to a courier sent to her home.

The other was told she needed to withdraw £2,500 which she then also handed over to a courier.

PC Jon Walker said: "The police would never contact people and ask them to withdraw or hand over cash to officers.

"The people carrying out these frauds are deliberately targeting those they think are vulnerable, so please do look out for your friends, family and anyone you feel may be at risk by passing on this message, to help prevent further people falling victim to this type of fraud.

“If ever you doubt a telephone caller is genuine, simply hang up the phone."

To find out more about the warning and to get advice, visit sussex.police.uk/advice.