Prestonians are being urged to check on elderly relatives and neighbours after a phone scam.

Fraudsters have stolen £21,000 from an 82-year-old.

The phone scam saw the elderly person being tricked into believing they were phoning from Virgin Media.

The victim’s online banking account was accessed and they were able to transfer funds.

Preston Police are now warning people to be vigilant if they receive calls claiming to be from Virgin Media or other broadband providers.

A spokesman said: It’s clearly been a traumatic experience for the victim and we are carrying out a full investigation in the hope we can get the victims money back.”

Read more: Man who conned Fulwood couple out of life savings has been jailed

In a second scam warning the police said they received a number of reports of a man calling Preston households and saying he was from the Metropolitan Police.

He then tried to obtain bank details after suggesting a bank fraud had taken place.

If anyone is concerned or has information they are asked to call police on 101.

There’s also extensive advice online about staying safe from fraudsters.