Police urge support for elderly after man lost significant cash to telecommunications scam

The scammers claimed to be working with police and said the man had to give them money to help catch the offenders.

It's come to light in the midst of Elder Abuse Awareness Week.

Police are advising people to be aware of common scams, such as requests for money supposedly from Inland Revenue, over email, call or text.

Some people have also been caught out by payment or PIN number requests purporting to be from police, through phone calls.