A VIGILANT Farnworth man says he foiled a phone scammer – by pretending he was aged 93.

Lee Spencer gave false details to the caller — who said she was from Sky TV — in a bid to prove she was not who she said she was.

The woman had said there was a problem with his Sky card and asked for various details including his bank account number.

But, having spoken to Sky regularly, Mr Spencer, aged 52, thought something was up.

He intentionally gave false details to the woman on the other end of the phone, and she did not pull him up.

Mr Spencer changed his name to John, and even claimed to be born in 1921, but the caller simply said the information was fine.

When he tried 1471 to try and trace the number, the number 0123456789 was said to have called him, and when he rang it he was told it was invalid.

Mr Spencer said: "I have a Sky box and it was recently upgraded so I don't use a card anymore.

"I gave her all the wrong details and she did not pick up on them.

"It sounded like she was in a call centre overseas.

"I used to work in a call centre and you make 500 calls a day. My worry is that of all those calls, they will get someone to give them their details. An elderly lady might get her savings taken so I just want people to be wary."

The incident has been reported to police, who are warning people not to give anyone they do not know personal information or card details.

In the meantime, police say cammers will be trying to target online shoppers in the run up to Christmas.

They advise people not to click on links that you are unsure of, never give people personal information or card details unless you know who they are, and always use reputable retailers.

You should also ensure that web pages are secure before entering payment details – the address should start with ‘https’ – and remember that paying by credit card offers greater protection.

Det Supt Mark Smith, GMP’s lead on cyber-crime, said: “To help keep online shoppers safe over the festive period we’re running a Google ad which directs them to the internet safety pages of our website, and advice leaflets are being handed out at internet cafés and computer and phone retailers.

All online frauds should be reported to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or reporting online at actionfraud.police.uk.