An elderly woman has been demanded to hand over her bank card after opening the door to a cold caller.

On Thursday, July 13, a woman in Priestwood opened the door to an individual claiming to be from the Air Ambulance.

The individual reportedly launched into a speech about how Air Ambulance workers were underpaid, before preceding to baldly ask the woman for her bank card which he wanted to take a picture of. 

After the man at the door was told the woman did not have her bank card to hand, he asked for a cheque.

Realising she might be the target of the scam, the woman declined to give any money over.

Following the conversation the man's attitude "immediately changed" and it is understood he snatched the leaflet away and marched off to a neighbour's house.

A concerned relative has contacted the Bracknell News with concerns that elderly people are being targeted.

The Thames Valley Air Ambulance have stated they take these kind of situations "incredibly seriously" and will be investigating the incident.

“Genuine Thames Valley Air Ambulance door-to-door canvassers are only permitted to ask someone to sign up to play our weekly lottery via Direct Debit, or to give a regular gift by Direct Debit," a spokesperson on behalf of the Thames Valley Air Ambulance said.

"They are not authorised to ask for cash. 

“Our fundraisers wear a photo ID badge with our logo on it and will be dressed in a Thames Valley Air Ambulance polo shirt or jacket.

"Always ask to see the fundraiser’s ID badge and feel free to take a note of the number. If you have any concerns, call us on 0300 999 0135 or send us a message.”

The Public Protection Partnership advises people to approach unexpected callers with caution.

Using a door chain, peephole or nearby window can help access who the person is.

"If they are not a friend, relative or neighbour then do not answer the door," the Public Protection Partnership said.

"The trading standards service advises residents not to engage with any cold callers on their doorstep, and that includes those purporting to be charities. 

"This is for the simple reason that it is difficult to determine which callers are genuine and which are scam callers. 

"Door knocking in general is discouraged by trading standards and the police and residents are advised not to donate money or sign up to direct debits on their doorstep. 

"There are instances where cold calling has been used to assess the resident and the property and it has also been linked to distraction burglary."