A FRAUDSTER was stopped in their tracks after trying to con £1,600 from an elderly woman.

Police said the victim, an elderly female resident of Sandhurst, Bracknell, was repeatedly called by a scammer with a London-based phone number.

The force said the number, 0207 097 6716, is registered by government website Who-Called-Gov.uk as 'extremely dangerous' and has been previously reported several times.

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The fraudster called his victim claiming to be her bank stating that her her account was overdrawn and that she was required to make immediate payment of £1600 to clear the debt.

A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said: "It is probable that the scammer elicited the lady’s address details during the phone calls, as later in the evening a male then called at the lady’s home address claiming that he was there to collect three separate signed blank cheques as a way of paying her debt."

Fortunately the victim didn't open the door and instead called for help from her brother.

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Jon Morris, police administrator for Bracknell said: "Thames Valley Police is calling on friends and family to help tackle the problem by talking to elderly or vulnerable friends and relatives.

"Assuring them that: They should never deal with cold callers either on the phone or in person no matter how polite or friendly they seem.

"Saying 'No thank you' and shutting the door or hanging up the phone is not rude.

"Their bank, the police or anyone legitimate will never send a courier to their home to collect bank cards, cash or cheques and they will never ask for your pin number."

He added 'only fraudsters will do this' and urged anyone that feels scared or pressured in this situation to shut the door or hang up and report it.

If you receive this type of call, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or via their website. In an emergency dial 999.