A GROUP of fraudsters have been targeting elderly people in East Lancashire.

The fraudsters sound very convincing and will say the victim is under investigation and need to pay an amount of money to avoid prosecution.

They purport to be from the HMRC and particularly target older and vulnerable people.

The victims are then usually contacted by someone purporting to be a police officer and they will say that they will be visited to discuss the case and pay the money.

Sgt Mick Smith of Colne Police Station said: "If you cannot verify the identity of the caller terminate the call immediately and report the incident to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

"The HMRC will never contact you in this way and will usually have your taxpayer reference number.

"Any police officer contacting you should give you their name and collar number and the station they work from and a reference number.

"This can be verified by calling 101".