TELEPHONE scammers stole more than £8,000 from a Wiltshire victim’s account after tricking her into giving her bank card details.

They then tried to con more cash out of her and even called when the police were with her at her home.

The woman, who was in her 70s, had been experiencing internet problems and was expecting a call from her provider on December 17 when a man claiming to be from the company phoned up.

She was asked to log on to a website and then told her computer was riddled with viruses. She was persuaded to sign up to a five-year protection contract costing £95, when her first attempt to pay using a debit card failed, she had to use a second.

Suspicious, she contacted her bank and discovered unauthorised withdrawals had been made on both cards, the first for £205.90 on the card that was declined and over £8000 more on the second.

The determined crooks tried again the next day during a visit from the police to her home in Chippenham and hung up quickly when challenged by the officer.

But they had yet another go a day later claiming to be from her bank’s fraud team. This time they failed to gain access to her accounts.

The banks have refunded the victim and she has been advised to change her internet provider. She will also be making a full report to Action Fraud, which collates international information about fraudsters.

Action Fraud also provides advice and information about current scams. Visit actionfraud.police.uk for details.