A vulnerable person, who lives in the Nelson/Barrowford area, has been scammed out of £40,000 after a cruel person made a fake social media account.

The victim was contacted on social media by someone they believed was an old acquaintance. They had created a fake social media profile.

The fake profile had discussed home improvements and offered said home improvements through two companies they claimed to operate. They were in fact just payment transfer sites.

More than £40,000 has been scammed from the victim and no agreed work was carried out.

The incident is being investigated by police, the victim’s bank and Action Fraud.

Police are now encouraging people to check on their vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours.

A police spokesperson said: “Please can we make you aware, A vulnerable person in the Nelson/Barrowford [area] has been target in one of the most abhorrent crimes.

“Our aggrieved party was contacted on social media by someone they believed was an old acquaintance [the offender was using a made up profile.

“This profile has discussed home improvements and has offered said home improvements through two companies they claimed to operate, in truth just using payment transfer sites.

“In total, [more than] £40,000 has been scammed from the aggrieved party, with no agreed work carried out.

“This incident is being fully investigated by ourselves, the [victim's] bank, and also Action Fraud.

“Please can everyone check on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours and if anyone else has had any similar circumstances or approaches happen to them, please report on 101, online.

“If you have fallen victim, please do not be ashamed or embarrassed, these criminals use increasingly more complex tactics to take advantage of people and achieve their goals.”