AN elderly couple in Bolton have been conned by heartless fraudsters into handing over several thousand pounds worth of life savings.

The pair, who are in their 80s and live in Tonge Moor, received a phone call from a man claiming to be a police officer who said he was investigating a crime involving card cloning and forged notes affecting their account.

After becoming suspicious, the female resident attempted to divert her phone to dial 999 but ended up staying on the same line as the scammer.

The caller persuaded the worried couple that they must go to the bank to draw out their cash, or risk losing it, which could then be collected and made safe.

The Bolton News:

Later that day a woman arrived at their home and pocketed the money.

The incident happened a fortnight ago and there has been no trace of the cash since.

The son of the couple, whom The Bolton News has chosen not to identify, said: “Vulnerable and elderly people are susceptible to things like this happening to them.

“My mum and dad are not stupid – I consider them to be pretty sharp.

“But the criminals were quite convincing and my parents got flustered.

“The next time this happens they could very well assault a person.

“It’s really angered me that people prey on others like this.

“There is no respect for the elderly.”

The couple’s son is urging other people to be wary of scams such as this or risk losing hard-earned money as well.

He said: “They have handed money over to a stranger.

“You should not hand over money to people who come to your door.”

The incident was reported to police.

Officers are investigating the con but it is understood no arrests have been made.

Greater Manchester Police has issued guidance to people to help people to avoid falling victim to such crimes.

Door-to-door and courier scams, in which criminals pretend to be from a bank or the police, are some of the deceptive tactics used by fraudsters.

For more information on how to protect yourself from these type of scams visit bit.ly/30sDE0W.

If you have any information about the incident which happened to the elderly couple on May 28 contact police on 101.

Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

To report a fraud contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.