THE victim of an attempted phone scam has spoken out to warn others to be wary of fraudsters trying to extract hundreds of pounds from pensioners in the area.

Reports said a number of people in Barrow and across the country had been targeted by scammers claiming to be from a bank and attempting to take £600 from their bank account.

One 83-year-old woman, who lives in Walney's West Shore Park, said she received the same automated phone call twice in one day from the scammers, but could tell the call was fraudulent.

She said she phoned her bank, Halifax, to be told there had been a number of reports of the scam received from up and down the country.

The woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, offered her advice to others to avoid falling victim to the fraudsters.

She said: "They called me up twice in the same day saying somebody is asking to withdraw £600 from your credit card and to press 1 to speak to them.

"But I knew it wasn't real so I just hung up."

The retired florist warned others of the scam, saying: "There will be elderly people in Barrow who are bit more frail who might not be able to tell it's not real.

"When you are older you get so many people like that calling you.

"Luckily I've still got my brain in gear but others my age might not be like that.

"I would say to people be careful and look out for someone who mentions the £600 because it sounds like that's what everyone is hearing."

The attempted scam follows an incident last month in which an 87-year-old woman said she was conned by builders to the tune of £300.

They agreed to resurface the backyard of her Greengate Street home but failed to turn up to carry out work.

Barrow roofer Billy Price kindly stepped in and said he would complete the work.

Anyone who is the victim of scam can contact Cumbria Police by calling 101 or report fraud to Action Fraud 0300 123 2040.