POLICE have issued a warning about phone scammers targeting elderly people.

Officers issued the warning via Facebook and asked those with elderly relatives, neighbours and friends to warn them about the scam.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “Unfortunately we have become aware of elderly people being targeted by scammers who are calling and who are saying that they are from the fraud squad of their bank and telling them that people have attempted to access their accounts.

“They are then instructing people to withdraw large amounts of money from their bank to protect it and then go to another bank and pay the money into the scammers’ account, usually a bitcoin account.

“These people are very good at what they do and to the unsuspecting will appear professional and believable.

“If you know any elderly person, family, friend or neighbour who may not use social media then take some time to warn them about this scam.

“If you are in any doubt always put down the phone on the caller and contact your bank or building society to confirm whether or not they have called you.”

Potential scams can be reported to Action Fraud either online or on 0300 1232040.