Police are advising elderly people and their families to take extra care to avoid becoming victims of fraud. Officers from the specialist Fraud Assessment Unit are investigating three incidents which occurred and believe others have been or could be targeted. In Bury St Edmunds, an elderly woman was assisted by staff after becoming confused when trying to withdraw a large sum of money from a local bank. Another woman tried to withdraw £2,000 in Lowestoft and told bank staff she had received a random call from unknown people telling her she was being watched. In Bury St Edmunds an elderly man tried to withdraw £5,000 from his building society account, telling staff he had been offered a painting by a stranger at a discounted price. Police were alerted in all three cases and are now investigating. Detective Inspector Rory Prior said: “These are despicable crimes as the perpetrators are preying on vulnerable people in a bid to cheat them out of their savings. We want to urge people not to respond to requests made over the phone to withdraw money or otherwise. Families should be vigilant in safeguarding elderly and vulnerable people. We are investigating these latest incidents and are dedicating specific resources to track down the offenders.” Anyone with information about any of these cases or who fear they or their families are being targeted should contact us via www.suffolk.police.uk/tell-us or call 101.