WEST Somerset residents are being warned to be on their guard after a Minehead man was targeted by fraudsters claiming his bank card had been used in a crime.

The man, who has asked not to be named, became suspicious after being phoned by a man who claimed to be a police officer.

The cold-caller knew the man's name, address and date of birth and initially seemed plausible when he claimed he needed bank details as the victim's card had been used for a fraudulent purchase in London.

The man was told to ring either the serious fraud office or 999 to verify the call.

However, the conman would not have hung up and remained on the line meaning that, when the victim redialled, he would have automatically spoken to the fraudster or an accomplice.

The Minehead resident became suspicious and did not call anyone as he discussed what to do next with his wife.

The cold-caller then rang back and became extremely agitated and aggressive, demanding to know why he had not done as he was told.

It was then the resident realised he had been the victim of a fraudster, although he had not passed on any of his personal details.