Police have issued a warning after two elderly women were scammed out of thousands of pounds. 

West Yorkshire Police sent out a fraud alert after the women fell prey to a professional sounding automated message about their bank account. 

The message claimed activity had been detected on their bank account and asked them to press one or two on their phone if this was not recognised.

The pressing of each button then transfers the unsuspecting victim to a human caller, who takes details and supposedly transfers them to another department. 

The essence of the calls, which may vary slightly, attempts to convince the victim that their money is at risk from the local branch.

It convinces the victim to withdraw money and send it off in the post or have someone collect it.

Both of the women live in the Dewsbury area.

Paul Denison, crime prevention officer at West Yorkshire Police, said: “You may think that you would never fall for something like this, nor did the victims family. Please speak to your nearest and dearest about this and any other scams/frauds.”

Banks will never ask you to withdraw money, the crime prevention officer said.

People can find more information on financial crime by visiting the West Yorksire Police website at www.westyorkshire.police.uk/advice/fraud-and-financial-crime/fraud-and-financial-crime