A pensioner has been conned out of £5,000 in the latest round of scam calls.

The 79-year-old from Crowborough received a call on Monday from a man claiming to be a police officer at Paddington Green police station in London.

The person, who claims to be a PC Ian Baker, said the victim's card had been cloned and they had arrested someone for it.

He then asked the victim to put £5,000 in a taxi which would arrive in Crowborough, which he did.

There were nine other attempted frauds in Eastbourne and Crowborough on the same day.

The caller used a similar method, saying he was a police officer, and that the victim's card had been used to buy luxury goods, and they needed to call their bank or give them their bank details.

None of the people called gave any details and immediately contacted Sussex Police.

Detective Sergeant Dave Tye said: "Thankfully nine people became suspicious of the caller and either asked for a number to call back on or ended the call. Unfortunately the man in Crowborough believed his card had been cloned and has handed over a large sum of money.

"It is good that many people are already aware of this scam and are taking our advice.

"We urge anyone hearing about this scam to pass the message on to any friends and relatives who may not be aware of this particular type of targeted fraud, to prevent any vulnerable friends or family members from becoming victims.

"Legitimate organisations would never ask for bank or card details over and phone and we urge people to stay vigilant and to never pass on these details.

"Similarly the police will never ask for money to be placed in a taxi to be taken elsewhere.

"Anyone receiving such calls should wait at least 10 minutes for their line to clear and if the opportunity arises dial 1471 to obtain the caller's number.

Once certain that the line is clear use your phone, mobile or alternative line, and phone Sussex Police on 101 to report your suspicions."