A sentencing hearing for a 24-year-old man who persuaded an elderly woman to withdraw cash after claiming to be a police officer has been adjourned.

The victim received a call from a man claiming to be a police officer and was convinced during a period of two weeks to buy items to pass on to a courier, hand over bank cards and withdraw a large sum of money, Ipswich Crown Court heard.

Before the court via a prison video link on Tuesday was Zayd Saheb, of Somerleyton Road , Brixton, London, who admitted conspiring to commit fraud by false representation and possession of an article for use of fraud.

He also faces a charge of possession with intent to supply ketamine.

Judge Richard Kelly agreed to adjourn sentence until September 2 to allow Saheb’s legal team to have a conference with him.

Detective Inspector James Cassedy, of Suffolk police, said: “Courier fraud is a cruel crime and is a growing problem nationally, targeting predominantly elderly and vulnerable people.

“I would urge people who receive calls asking for money to be withdrawn and handed over to a courier to not disclose any personal or financial details. Hang up and wait 10 minutes to ensure that the call has disconnected before reporting it to police quoting Operation Portray.

"We will continue to relentlessly pursue those who callously seek to scam unsuspecting people and exploit their trust.”

Suffolk police is urging members of the public to remind friends and family that banks and police will never ask someone for their PIN number, to withdraw or purchase money or to hand valuables to a courier.