A fraudster tried to scam a Blackburn woman out of thousands of pounds, after pretending to be from her bank.

Police were called to a Blackburn address at around 1.40pm, on February 14, to a report of suspicious circumstances.

It was reported that a call had been made to a woman from a man, claiming to be from her building society. He asked her to withdraw money.

Thankfully, no money was taken and the incident has been reported to Action Fraud.

The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, spoke to a local radio station and said she received a call explaining that there had been some fraudulent activity on her account.

She was told her money taken by somebody who worked at the bank and that an investigation was underway to catch them.

The woman was reportedly told to get taxi to bank, withdraw £5,000 and ring a number provided. She was told not to tell anyone about the withdrawal.

Her family intervened meaning no money was taken.

Speaking on the radio she said: “I was so frightened because I was told that I must not tell a soul about this [and to get a taxi to the bank].

“Immediately I rang my daughter and she came up and the bank and the police were called."

Officers say they are “aware of number of incidents across Lancashire” where fraudsters are contacting victims over the phone purporting to be bank officials or police officers

Detective inspector Libby Wadsworth from Lancashire Police’s economic crime team said: “We are aware of number of incidents across Lancashire where fraudsters are contacting victims over the phone purporting to be bank officials or police officers and claiming there are issues with individuals accounts, asking for cards or parcels to be handed over or to withdraw large amounts of money to be later collected by the courier for ‘evidence purposes’.

“These fraudsters are callous and calculated, not only does this cause a financial loss to the victims but it also impacts the victim’s health and wellbeing.

“Fraudulent calls can be hard to spot.

“Your bank or the police will never call you asking for personal details such as pin numbers or offer to pick up cards or items from your address so please report this if it occurs.

“If you are in the slightest doubt during a phone call, hang up – either use a different phone or wait 20 minutes before calling either your bank, Action Fraud or the police. This is because fraudsters often leave the line open waiting for you to use the phone so the safest method is using a different device.

“If you have given any personal details over the phone or given your card to anyone call your bank immediately and cancel your cards /block your account.

“If you think you are a victim of fraud, please report to Action Fraud through the online portal or via 0300 123 2040.

“Lancashire Police take courier fraud very seriously and are working hard to protect communities and prevent further offences. We are working closely with our neighbouring forces to share trends and threats and we are robustly tackling offending through arrests and prosecution.”