POLICE forces from across Lancashire have issued a coordinated warning about the dangers of fraud.

This comes amid fears that the disruption caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic has increased the opportunities for fraudsters to prey on the vulnerable, with a study by Experian last year finding that fraud offences increased by around 33 per cent during the first phase of the crisis.

In response Blackburn with Darwen Police, along with other services around the county have encouraged people to be vigilant both for their own sakes and for the sakes of elderly relatives.

A police spokesperson said: "A police officer will never ask you to hand money over to them to support an investigation, or ask you to transfer money to a safe account for fraud reasons.

They added: "Its always ok to put down the phone, call a friend or family member, or ring 101 for advice.

"Please share this information with your elderly or vulnerable relatives, who are often targeted in these types of scams."

To find out more, go to Action Fraud at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/.