AN ELDERLY couple were fleeced by a courier cash fraudster who pretended to be a detective constable, losing more than £13,000.

The couple, who live in Ovingdean, Brighton, were called by the conman who claimed to be Detective Constable Martin Collins from the police fraud squad.

He told them their bank account only contained counterfeit notes, so he would exchange it for real cash. He claimed the account had been compromised and bank staff were involved, and that police were investigating.

The fraudster then instructed them to withdraw the money in their account, saying a courier would come and collect it from them at their home.

The couple, in their 80s, withdrew more than £13,000 from the bank. They were questioned by curious bank staff who later phoned police.

When officers arrived at the scene, the couple rejected their help out of fear police and bank workers were "in on it".They went home and received another call saying a courier would be arriving to collect their money.

The courier who took their money is described as Asian, aged between 18 and 20, with short dark hair and wearing a dark jacket. He took the money, leaving on foot.

The couple realised it was a scam overnight and reported it to police.

Detective Constable Julian Harrison-Jones, of Sussex Police, said: "The victims were completely taken in by these people pretending to be from the 'police fraud squad' to the extend that they would not except help from the bank staff or genuine police officers. The suspects were persistent and intimidating and continued to call the couple.

"The police do not contact people and ask them to withdraw or hand over cash or valuables to officers, and neither do bank staff. Also banks do not hold counterfeit currency in customers' accounts. The people carrying out these frauds are deliberately targeting those they think are vulnerable, using varying and subtle tactics.

"Please do look out for your friends, family and anyone you feel may be at risk by passing out 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. If speaking to callers at the door, always ask for identification and satisfy yourself that it is genuine before dealing with that person.

"We want to hear from you if you have received similar calls to these mentioned above or have any information which could help our investigation. Descriptions of those who have attended to collect money differ."

People with information should call police on 101 quoting Operation Signature.