FRAUDSTERS are raking in more than £50,000 a day after reviving an old bank card scam, it was claimed today.

Police today warned that the number of elderly victims in Glasgow is "escalating".

The conmen target vulnerable people living on their own by duping them into handing over their debit card, which is then used to empty their bank account.

Some of the victims are thought to have lost thousands of pounds.

Strathclyde Police warned people to be on guard and to never ever reveal card pin numbers, bank or personal financial details, especially over the phone.

Detective Inspector David Perrit, of the forces Glasgow-based economic crime unit, also wants to hear from anyone who believes they may have been targeted by fraudsters.

Mr Perritt said: "Recent scams have involved people being called by a criminal posing as someone from their bank who tells the victim that their credit or debit card needs collecting and replaced following a fraudulent transaction on their account."

The victim is then told to phone the bank for confirmation.

But the fraudster keeps the original connection active by staying on the line before pretending to be a bank official.

Mr Perrit added: "The criminal caller will then ask the person to key in their pin number before sending a courier to collect the card.

"The victim is told that the card is going to the bank, but actually is being delivered to the fraudster along with the PIN obtained during the scam.

"Our inquires have revealed that some criminals are making in excess of £50,000 a day from this type of crime.

"This type of fraud is aimed at the most elderly and vulnerable in our communities who are often living on their own.

"I would like to reinforce the message to the public to be vigilant about approaches from people pretending to be bank officials, and never hand over bank cards or give out PIN numbers."

Anyone who thinks they have been targeted are asked to contact Strathclyde Police on 0141 532 2000.

Police chiefs have not made public the number of victims but admit that reported cases are "escalating" despite a crackdown last year which resulted in 14 people being charged with £300,000 worth of fraud.

Operation Jenga was set up by police chiefs to share information after it was discovered similar scams were being operated in other parts of the country.

gordon.thomson@ eveningtimes.co.uk