Surrey Police is warning Surrey residents about a scam in which fraudsters posing as couriers use false pretences to obtain people's bank cards following a number of incidents in the north of the county.

The scam works by the victim initially receiving a phone call, or number of phone calls, from someone claiming to be from their bank. The caller checks the victim's details, including asking for their PIN number, then informs them that they need a new bank card. The victim is advised that someone will be visiting them shortly to collect their old card. A person, dressed to look like a courier, then arrives at the door to take the card.

Surrey Police is aware of three incidents which occurred in Egham on Wednesday 4th January. In one incident the victim contacted their bank following the initial call and was advised not to hand over their bank card but in the other two incidents the cards were handed over and sums of £300 and £500 were taken from the victim's accounts.

One of the victims was able to provide a description of the 'courier' who called at their address. They are described as a black man, aged in his late 20s, around 5ft 6ins tall, with short dark hair. He was wearing a black and blue coloured waterproof jacket and dark trousers.

Detective Constable Richard Warr, of the Cross Border Investigations Team, said: "We had a spate of incidents last year, particularly in the east Surrey area, in which this scam was used to obtain bank cards from pensioners. Although these recent incidents have occurred in the Egham area, it is important that everyone is aware of the tactics used by these con-artists so they can make sure their more vulnerable and elderly neighbours, family and friends know what they should do to protect themselves.

"Banks and building societies do not operate in this way and would never request a customer confirm their PIN details over the phone. Anyone who receives a suspicious call, either on the phone or in person, is urged to not give any details to the caller and phone their bank or building society to verify whether the request is genuine."

Anyone who saw someone matching the suspect's description knocking on doors in Egham yesterday, or who witnesses any ongoing suspicious activity, is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101, quoting reference RM/12/49.