Fraudsters who tricked people into handing over bank cards used their victims’ money to buy jewellery and, in one case, take out a £40,000 loan.

Police have now issued descriptions of two men who called at a Bradford address as part of the scam.

The fraudsters contacted victims by phone pretending to be from the police or the fraud department of their bank. They were told that fraudulent activity had been identified on their accounts and that they would send someone to their address to pick up their card and PIN number.

The cards were then used to buy gold jewellery in Bradford, Huddersfield and Manchester.

One victim in Bradford also had a £40,000 loan taken out in their name.

Police issued descriptions of two Asian men, who called at a Bradford address to collect banking details.

One is 5ft 10in and of slim build, in his 30s and was smartly dressed and clean shaven, with dark spikey hair.

The second man is 30 to 35. He was of medium build with a fair complexion and had chin-length long dark hair, cut in a bob-style.

PC Toni Hinnells, of Bradford CID, said: “The police or banking staff would never ask someone for their banking details or call someone to speak about suspected fraudulent activity on their bank account. If you receive one of these calls and you're still not sure whether it’s genuine, put the phone down and contact your bank separately. I would also advise them to report any of these calls, or similar, to Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.

“If you're still not sure, you can contact the police for advice on (01274) 376562 between 8am and 3pm Monday to Friday, or call 101.”