Scammers tried to steal thousands of pounds from an elderly woman who had just come back from hospital through Whatsapp by pretending to be her daughter.

They texted the woman, from Berkshire, with affectionate ‘x’ kisses and sympathised with her ‘serious’ hospital visit before convincing her to transfer £2,500 for a new phone.

When she delayed the transaction, the scammers guilt tripped her into making it but fortunately the woman did not complete the transfer.

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Her experience has been widely shared on social media and Thames Valley Police warned of very similar scams being executed last month.

According to a Facebook post, the victim’s real daughter realised what had happened when her mother asked why she was texting from two different phone numbers.

If you have been a victim of this scam, call Action Fraud on 03001232040.