POLICE are warning about a possible new phone scam in East Hampshire.

The warning comes a 71 year-old woman from Petersfield was called on Friday, November 20, by a man claiming to be from her bank, HSBC.

He gave his name as Jason, and asked the victim to do a number of things including leaving the phone off the hook between phone calls and entering codes into the phone key pad.

One of these codes *21* diverted the victims phone to a different number.

A family member reported the scam to police who are now investigating.

It was later discovered that a number of transactions were pending on the victims bank account, these were cancelled before more than £1,000 was taken.

East Hampshire Community Policing Team member Sergeant Stuart Tripp said: "This is the only report of this type that we have received at the moment, but I have not heard of a scam where the victim has had their phone diverted and I’m keen that no-one else is tricked by this scam.

"If you have elderly relatives or neighbours, please share this information with them and report anything suspicious to us by calling 101".

Police are offering the following advice to residents; never give out any personal information about your bank account to anybody over the phone, and never give your PIN number out in any form (including typing in to a keypad).

Sgt Tripp said: “If someone calls claiming to be a police officer, ask for their identification number and police force. Hang up the call and advise that you will call them back using the 101 number. A genuine police officer will not mind waiting while you check. Call them back from a different phone if possible or wait at least 10 minutes before making the call, to ensure they have not left the line open.”

Those who fear they may have revealed bank account information to a scammer are advised to call their bank up to cancel their cards as soon as possible.

Other advice to avoid being conned includes never handing over money to someone at the door to be sent off elsewhere.

Sgt Tripp added: “If someone comes to your door claiming to be a police officer or staff member, always ask for identification and make a note of their identification number. Ask them to wait while you verify their identity. Close the door and call 101. Dial 999 if it is an emergency.”

Anyone information relating to this incident, or is concerned about similar incidents, should contact police by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, call 999.