A 24-year-old man has been charged with fraud offences after allegedly claiming to be a police officer and instructing an elderly woman to withdraw cash.

Zayd Saheb was first arrested on November 30 following an incident in Southwold. 

An elderly woman received a call from a man claiming to be a police officer, a Suffolk police spokesman said.

During a two-week period, he allegedly convinced his victim to purchase items to pass on to a courier, hand over her bank cards and PINs and withdraw a large sum of money. 

Officers were notified of the activity two days prior to Saheb's arrest.

He was initially released on bail, but was rearrested and subsequently charged on Thursday. 

Saheb, of Somerleyton Road in Brixton, London, was charged with conspiring to commit fraud by false representation and possession of an article for use of fraud.

He was also charged with possession with intent to supply a class B drug, namely ketamine.

Saheb was remanded to appear at Suffolk Magistrates' Court in Ipswich on Friday.

Detective Inspector James Cassedy, of Suffolk police, said: “Courier fraud is a cruel crime and is a growing problem nationally, targeting predominantly elderly and vulnerable people.

“I would urge people who receive calls asking for money to be withdrawn and handed over to a courier to not disclose any personal or financial details. Hang up and wait 10 minutes to ensure that the call has disconnected before reporting it to police quoting Operation Portray.

"We will continue to relentlessly pursue those who callously seek to scam unsuspecting people and exploit their trust.”

Suffolk police is urging members of the public to remind friends and family that banks and police will never ask someone for their PIN number, to withdraw or purchase money or to hand valuables to a courier.