TWO suspected fraudsters who allegedly pretended to be bank workers to con the elderly have been arrested in connection with a string of cases across Essex.

A man from Ilford and a man from East Ham, both 20, remain in custody for questioning.

They were taken in today (January 24).

One of the men has been arrested for four further offences that were reported in other counties.

On December 26 last year, an 84-year-old from Tillingham received a call from a man claiming to be a bank manager.

He told the woman that her bank cards had been compromised and a courier arrived at her address and collected them.

Over the next few days, other incidents occurred in Great Baddow, Galleywood and Springfield.

DC Ross Thompson, of Essex Police’s Volume Fraud Team, said: “We believe fraudsters are preying on the elderly and are tricking them into handing over their PIN numbers and bank cards.

“Fortunately, some victims have contacted their bank to cancel their cards but others have had money taken and all have had the inconvenience of waiting for new bank cards and details.

“This would have caused unnecessary and unwanted disruption in their lives and have left victims feeling very scared and vulnerable.

“Please remember, your bank will never phone you and ask you to hand in your bank cards or arrange to have your bank cards collected by a courier service.

“They will never ask you to provide personal details such as your PIN number or any other security details.”

Police have also issued advice stating if members of the public get called, hang up and report it to Essex Police or Action Fraud.