A WOMAN has lost more than £100,000 through an online scam.

Police are warning people to be extra vigilant online after the 74-year-old woman from Gloucestershire had £135,000 stolen from her bank accounts.

On Monday,July 9, the woman was contacted by an individual who informed her that her computer had been hacked and her internet accounts compromised.

Believing that the caller was from BT, and therefore a trusted source, the woman gave him access to her internet and opened a 'ghost account' for money to be transferred from her bank accounts.

Her bank became suspicious of one transaction and put a stop on her accounts, but a few days later she realised that the offenders had been able to get £135,000 from four accounts.

She reported the matter to police on Tuesday, July 17.

Det Sgt Mark Stenhouse said: "This is another example of an older person being targeted by fraudsters who have managed to convince her that they are working to protect her.

"She did not give them any of her bank details but by allowing them access to her computer they were able to take over her accounts and take the money.

"As with other scams, it is easy to be taken in when you think that someone is genuinely trying to protect you, but I would urge everyone to step back and think before giving any information over the phone.

"If you get a call claiming that your bank or computer accounts have been compromised hang up and contact your service provider, using another phone if possible, who will be able to reassure you.

"Always make sure that access to your individual accounts is as difficult as possible by using different, strong and unique passwords, and never divulge them to anyone. Genuine support providers will never ask for them.

"Also think about your memorable questions and how easy it may be be for someone to guess them, possibly from information on your social media accounts. If the questions only allow easy and obvious answers consider giving a false word or adding a number.

"Investing time in protecting yourself, and making life difficult for cyber criminals, is worthwhile."

Anyone who has been a victim of online fraud, or knows someone who has, should report it to police on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.