Police are reminding people to be vigilant and aware of potential scams after an elderly woman was conned out of more than £6,000.

The woman, who is in her 80s and lives in west Ipswich, was contacted over the phone at about 3pm on Monday by a man purporting to be an officer from Essex Police.

The caller explained to the woman that she had been a victim of a scam where someone had taken £6,500 from her bank account.

They stated that police had refunded this to her account, but she was asked to withdraw the same amount to reimburse Essex Police. The man stated that this would be collected later by another man. As a reward for her troubles at a later date she would be given £2,000.

The woman visited her bank and was able to withdraw £6,500.

A man, who appeared to be a taxi driver, called at the property later that afternoon. The woman handed over the money plus, another £120 to the man as a courier fee.

Shortly before 6pm the man called again to confirm he had received the money and an officer would call round tomorrow to get a statement from her and give her the reward.

This woman has been a victim of a scam and the caller made up an elaborate story to con the woman out of money.

Enquiries have been made at Essex Police and The Metropolitan Police Service where similar scams have been reported.

Last week a 70-year-old man, also from west Ipswich, was conned out of £2,000 in a similar scam.

Police advice is to never give anyone your PIN or bank card – the police and banks will never ask for them or ask for people to withdraw money from their accounts.

If you have been a victim call police on 101 or 999 if you are vulnerable and need police assistance.