POLICE in Nelson have taken to Facebook to warn residents about a scam in the town.

Officers say that a fraudster is visiting peoples houses pretending to be a courier or delivery driver and stating that he has a parcel to leave for a neighbouring house.

MORE TOP STORIES:

The police have said that the fraudster is asking for payment up front before he will leave the parcel, which never arrives, and that he has managed to obtain details of the residents before visiting.

The description given by witnesses is of an Asian man aged between 25 and 35.

After posting the warning on Lancashire Police’s website, more than 170 comments have been left by concerned residents. The Facebook post has also been ‘liked’ by more than 500 people and been shared 3,684 times.

PC Carl McCoy said: “Under no circumstances would any reputable company ask for payment at the doorstep for any product.

“If in doubt refuse to accept any parcel, do not pass any money over and contact your local police immediately.

“Previous victims include the elderly and vulnerable.

“If anyone has already fallen victim to this scam and has not reported the matter to the local police, please contact us at the earliest opportunity to help prevent others from becoming victims.”

Pendle councillor Eileen Ansar said: “Any legitimate delivery driver would never ask for payment upfront.

“People should report anything that they are not sure about to the police.”

Resident Ann Ferguson said: “I’m 72 and very lucky I can use the internet.

“Many old folk can’t and don’t always know what’s going on.”

Joanne Edmonds said: “I am not elderly or vulnerable but I’d hand cash over for my neighbours as they’d do same for me. It’s a horrid scam.”

Call the police on 101.