Police have issued a warning after a Felixstowe man in his 70s became victim to an online and telephone scam in which he transferred £2,500.

On Sunday, October 15, the victim – a man in his 70s – received an email which suggested his PayPal account had a problem, and was instructed to follow a link to complete personal details.

After completing these, the man became concerned the email was not genuine and cancelled his bank card through his online banking.

Late in the evening the next day, he received a call from a man claiming to be from Lloyds Bank, who suggested there had been failed attempts to access his account.

A police spokeswoman said: “The victim was told in an insistent manner to transfer £2,500 to a new account the caller had opened, which he did, and attempts were made to move a further £5,000 which was unsuccessful.

“The caller advised the victim to call his bank to complete the transfer, but not to disclose this conversation.

“When the victim became suspicious, the caller insisted he go to his local branch to transfer the funds instead.”

In light of the incident, officers are warning members of the public to be vigilant for online and phone scam attempts.

The advice issued is as follows:

• Your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN, bank card or bank account details over the phone – never give these details out.

• If you receive such a call leave the landline for at least five minutes to make an outside call. Fraudsters will keep the line open and have been known to play ring tones, hold music and a recorded message down the phone so the victim believes they are making a call to a legitimate number

• Use a friend or neighbour’s telephone instead

• Friends, family, carers and neighbours are asked to spread the word to ensure everyone is aware of this scam and what they should do

Anyone who wishes to report suspected fraud can do so by calling 0300 123 2040.