The victim was asked to assist in a bogus police investigation, South Yorkshire Police say.

Leeds council says it cannot be sure all the money given to Jean Barnbrook was used legitimately.

Some were family or in the same friendship groups and ranged from young adults to elderly people.

Prolific criminals stole debit cards from GP surgeries and care homes before scamming their victims.

Northamptonshire Police says it made a number of arrests as part of a month of action on fraud.

Lincolnshire Police said the men carried out sneak-in burglaries and phone scams in 13 counties.

Toni Wilkinson, 46, stole money from vulnerable adults while helping them to do their shopping.

Firms across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire are targeted during the operation.