A man who was duped by fraudsters has warned people over an online scam which could cost them lose them thousands of pounds.

The victim from Burnley who did not wish to be named said he had always considered himself quite "savvy" when it came to online safety.

A common scam sent to the recipients tells people their TV licence is "about to expire" or "that there was an issue with their latest payment". 

The online links provided tend to lead to genuine looking websites that are designed to steal personal and financial details.

The man said he was the kind of person who scrutinises every email and website before clicking on a link.

But recently, he said despite his vigilance he had still been taken in by scamsters.

He told us: “As someone who just moved, I'd been busy updating my details with every utility and agency imaginable, including TV licensing. 

“Dealing with online forms can be a nightmare, and I ended up having to email them to settle some hiccups around setting up direct debits. 

“In the midst of all this, I received an email from TV licensing, inviting me to set up my payment. 

“I cautiously checked it, the email address seemed correct, the website looked legitimate when I clicked the link. Satisfied, I left it until that evening to fill out the details; it was one more thing I could cross off the endless moving checklist. That's where things went wrong.”

He said weeks later, he got a notification that someone in Birmingham was attempting to his card. 

He said: “Two minutes later, while in a queue to speak to the bank on their app, my phone rang. It was the bank's fraud department, and the person on the line seemed so helpful and understanding. 

“They asked basic security details, all of which they already knew, another checkmark that made me trust them.

"Then they told me my other accounts were compromised as well. That's when it started to go off the rails. The fraud department from my other bank supposedly called me. 

“Again, they seemed to know everything about me, date of birth, email address, you name it. Everything checked out except for one small detail, a question I can't reveal in case the scammers read this and stop using it. 

“I gave them the wrong answer on purpose, and they confirmed it as correct.”

As this was unfolding, he said he was simultaneously chatting with a bank advisor online.

Lancashire Telegraph: He said he had received this email inviting him to set up a payment.

He told us: “After some time, they confirmed that no one from their bank had called me and I needed to hang up immediately. 

“Thankfully, I had already come to the same realisation. It hit me hard. These scammers timed the attack during the chaos of my move to catch me off guard. They built a convincing website and used flawless imitation to put me at ease.”

He said he was someone who is usually on "high alert" never thought he would fall for it. 

He added: “If I can be fooled, imagine how vulnerable someone less technologically savvy or just more trusting would be.

“Check on your friends and family, especially the elderly or less tech-proficient. We have to stay one step ahead of these vile predators who prey on innocent people. 

“I'm still shaken that people so talented, so good at communication, could stoop to this level. 

“If they put their skills to honest use, they'd be incredible in any job, but instead, they choose to scam. Honestly, how do they sleep at night? Let my experience be a warning. Always be on your guard, even when you feel secure.”