POLICE are warning the public to be vigilant, after an elderly man in Alcester was the victim of a phone scam.

The victim, a man in his 80s, was called by a woman who told him he was entitled to £8000 due to a reform in his pension.

She told him to go to a local post office to complete a money gram form before returning it to the post office.

She also told him he would need £100 in cash for processing fees and that someone would attend his home to collect this.

Fortunately, post office staff realised this was a scam and no money was handed over.

The incident happened on Wednesday, August 5.

Officers have published a list of tips to help protect people themselves from falling victim to telephone scams.

It includes never giving your personal details over the phone to anyone and to not to hand over cash, cards or transfer money to people you don't know.

People are advised to call 101 if they receive a call like this or if there is a crime in progress call 999.