POLICE in the New Forest have warned residents to beware of conmen trying to cash in on coronavirus outbreak.

People living in the Copythorne and Minstead areas have been targeted by telephone fraudsters attempting to gain access to their bank accounts.

Members of the Copythorne WI have been among the intended victims.

Some of the women have been contacted by a caller claiming to be from the Inland Revenue and "warning" them they had already been defrauded.

In an online message to the public New Forest Heart Cops posted: "Unbelievably there are criminals who are using these difficult times to scam you and your family.

"Copythorne WI told me some of them had received calls from an 01227 number saying they were from the tax office and (telling them) they had been victim of a coronavirus scam. Luckily the people contacted just hung up.

"Members of the Probus group in Minstead have had emails demanding vehicle tax is paid immediately. We have also had reports of calls offering coronavirus tests for £20-£30.

"If you get any calls or emails like this please just ignore them. Don't give anyone any of your details."

Anyone with concerns about fraudsters targeting people in the New Forest can email richard.williams@hampshire.pnn.police.uk.