A TELEPHONE scam alert has been issued after an 80-year-old woman’s life savings of £53,000 were stolen from her bank account.

The horrified pensioner, who lives in Linwood, noticed the money was missing on Sunday and contacted her nephew.

He discovered the five-figure sum had been withdrawn from her TSB account in separate amounts since the beginning of March.

After police were alerted, the victim told officers she had been contacted by someone with a foreign accent who was claiming to be from telecoms firm BT.

He said her internet had been hacked and duped the woman into handing over her bank details.

After she handed over her account number and sort code, the amounts began disappearing in lump sums between March 3 and 14.

The cruel crooks also tried to take out a £20,000 loan in her name but that was stopped by bank staff before it could be completed.

Inspector Allan O’Hare, head of community policing for Renfrewshire, has warned people – particularly the elderly – to be on their guard against similar scams.

He said there has been a marked increase in telephone fraud during lockdown.

Inspector O’Hare added: “Crooks are targeting people because they know they are more likely to be at home.

“Legitimate companies will not ask people for their bank details over the phone. If you feel unsure, just hang up and contact the company the caller is allegedly from.

“That is the only way to establish if it is genuine.

“Never feel threatened or intimidated into handing over your details.

“These conmen are very professional sounding, so there is no embarrassment if you have fallen victim. If that has happened, contact the police immediately.”

Inspector O’Hare said the fraudsters first called the pensioner, who lives on her own, at the end of February and the money began disappearing from her account a few days later.

He has urged people to look out for elderly relatives who are more vulnerable to telephone scams and keep them up to date with any frauds that are prevalent.

Anyone who is the victim of a fraud can call the police on 101.

Incidents can also be reported to Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.