Bogus callers posing as police officers have been trying to trick people to give out bank details.

Police have received a number of reports from residents in Loughton, who have been called by a man claiming to be a police officer from Loughton police station.

The caller said he was investigating a fraud on the resident's bank account and asked for a pin number.

Various other questions were asked by the caller, including how much money was in their bank account and asking to arrange a time to pick up their card.

One person was told that money had been taken from her account and her bank details were needed for police investigations.

Seven incidents were reported in total between November 3 and 13.

The majority were during the evening, between 5.30pm and 9pm, but one was in the afternoon at around 2pm.

Police have warned people never to give out bank details over the phone.

A spokeswoman said: “Police officers are contacting as many people in the area as possible. We want to get the message out to people not to give out these details and to be aware it’s not a police officer from Loughton calling them up. You should never give out these details over the phone, especially a pin number.”

Anyone who has a call like this should contact Loughton police station on 03003334444.