Warwickshire Police have today issued an update on an investigation over a courier fraud scam in Stoneleigh.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, October 6 as two sisters in their 70's and 80's were defrauded of £9,000.

A police spokesperson said that they "were contacted by someone claiming to be a Detective Sergeant from the West Midlands Police Fraud Team. The caller asked both victims to attend their banks and withdraw cash to assist with an investigation into counterfeit notes being used in the bank.

"Both women attended their respective banks and withdrew a collective sum of £9000 which they gave to the courier who came to collect the cash."

A man was initially arrested on 9 October. The investigation has continued and yesterday (October 28) officers arrested an 18 year-old man at an address in East London on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

"He has been released under investigation while enquiries continue."

Detective Sergeant Paul Hainsworth of Warwickshire Police said: "This was a very upsetting incident for the victims who lost a significant amount of money at the hands of fraudsters pretending to be from the police, who continue to prey on individuals, particularly the elderly and the vulnerable.

"The fraudsters' stories are often believable and they will put a lot of pressure on victims to convince them to withdraw or transfer money, often for fraud reasons.

"These are despicable crimes which can have devastating impacts on victims, and I hope yesterday's arrest shows that we are determined to catch those responsible and will do everything in our power to bring them to justice."

Police guidance

- If you are unsure whether someone on the phone is genuine, hang up and then use a different line to call the organisation they are purporting to be from using a number from the phonebook or internet to verify their identity.

- Don't give out your personal information to anyone over the phone, including your PIN number and bank account or card details

- If you have given out your personal banking details to someone over the phone or have given someone your card details, contact your bank immediately to cancel your card

If you receive a call from someone purporting to be a police officer and asking you to withdraw or transfer money, call Warwickshire Police on 101.

If you have been a victim of a telephone scam, please report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via their website.