FRAUDSTERS have scammed an elderly Cirencester couple out of hundreds of pounds with what police have described as a “sophisticated” scam.

A man was conned into giving his bank details to the thieves who said that they were from Barclays Bank.

On March 21 an elderly woman reported that her husband had unsuspectingly given the bank details over the phone.

The lady then called a number she believed to be Barclays Bank head office.

During the conversation with a man who said he was a 'financial adviser' she gave further pin number details and was told that a courier was coming to collect their bank cards within 20 minutes as the bank needed the cards returned.

Barclays Bank confirmed that these were fraudulent phone calls and the couple have had hundreds of pounds stolen by the fraudsters from their accounts.

The 'courier' who collected the cards is described as black, around 5'8" tall, of medium build and clean shaven. He had short, straight black hair. He was wearing dark clothing and dark shoes.

His anorak possibly had a red, embroidered motif on the front. Gloucestershire Constabulary are advising people never to give out bank details over the phone even when the person sounds official and gives a name and title.

These fraudsters are increasingly sophisticated and often prey on elderly people who may feel intimated or confused.

If anyone has any further information or recognises the description of the 'courier' please call 101 quoting incident number 128 21 March 2015.