Quick-thinking neighbour stops scammers from conning money out of an 80-year-old woman in a Harborough district village

Scammers tried to trick an elderly woman in a Harborough district village out of £35,000.

The woman, who is in her 80s and lives in Broughton Astley, was told to take the huge amount of cash out of her bank account in a “scam telephone call”.

Luckily, the shocked pensioner told a neighbour that she had just been contacted before she handed over any cash.

And her quick-thinking, public-spirited neighbour immediately tipped off police after the incident on Monday August 10.

Police are warning anyone who receives such a call from conmen to alert the ActionFraud website straight away.

A Leicestershire Police spokesman said: “On Monday 10 August we received a report that a woman in her 80s, from Broughton Astley, had been subject to a scam telephone call.

“It was reported that the caller had asked the woman to withdraw £35,000 from her bank account to pay for a relative’s medical treatment.

“The matter was brought to the attention of a neighbour, who in turn contacted police.”

He added: “No money was handed over.

Further information about fraud – including phone scams - can be found by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk”