A DALTON pensioner has been scammed for a “huge lump” of her savings.

Katherine Jones, 69, of Queens Street, Dalton, was targeted by internet scammers who convinced her to spend £315 on iTunes vouchers and hand the codes over.

The scammers, who targeted Mrs Jones through Facebook messenger, sent her an emoji of a red gift box and convinced her that sending voucher codes would allow her to open the box and receive a cash grant.

Gran of nine Mrs Jones said: “They came up on my messenger and told me not to say anything to anyone or my entry would be disqualified.

“They said scratch off the codes, take a photograph and then send it over.

“I didn’t realise what was going on. I didn’t recognise any warning signs at all.”

Internet scammers often target elderly and vulnerable people.

Mrs Jones bought a £15 iTunes voucher from a local shop but after sending the code was told £15 wasn’t enough to open the box.

The pensioner then returned to the shop to buy more.

The scam victim said: “They (the scammers) were on me every time I went on my tablet.

“I went back to the shop because they (the scammers) asked for £1,000 but I couldn’t get that much so I got £300, it was a huge lump of my money. I’m absolutely gutted I feel terrible. I’m scared to use social media again because of all this. I used Facebook because I’m lonely, I’m a pensioner and my children are all working, I used it to keep in contact with friend and family but now I don’t want to go on it ever again.”

The Dalton grandmother’s daughter saw her mother put photographs on social media and quickly realised what was wrong. She called her mother as soon as she realised but was too late.

Police are warning people about trusting those online who ask for money or vouchers. A police spokesman said: “We advise ignoring any requests for money or vouchers and to report the scammers. If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud report it to police or Action Fraud.”