SANDWELL residents are being warned to be on their guard for scams after an elderly man nearly lost £20,000.

The "courier scam" involves fraudsters tricking people into handing over their cards and PIN numbers.

Trading standards officer Mark Beesley said the man was targeted by a visitor to his home and he was fortunate that his bank stopped the payment.

Mr Beesley said that there were also variations of this scam.

“Fraudsters call people on their landline claiming to be from the bank and allege that they have spotted a fraudulent payment on their card,” he said.

“In order to convince people that it is genuine they suggest that they hang up and ring back straight away.

“However, they do not disconnect the call from the landline so when people dial they are still speaking to the fraudsters who will pretend to be an official from your bank.

“They then will request that you read out your PIN or type it into your phone keypad or they may suggest that you make a bank transfer of the money in your account to ensure it remains safe.”

In some cases, they have requested that people go to the bank make a cash withdrawal.

Finally they will either provide the person with details of an account so they can transfer their money, or they send a courier to homes to collect cards or cash.

Councillor Steve Eling, leader of Sandwell Council, said: “People should always be careful and protect themselves against these fraudsters.

“It is important to remember that a bank will never send a courier to homes or call to collect your card or cash, and they will never ask people to disclose their PIN numbers.

“If anyone receives these calls they should end it straight away.

“If people realise they have handed their details to someone they should contact their bank immediately to cancel their cards.”

For more information or advice about fraud, call the consumer helpline on 03454 040 506.