Residents across County Durham are being warned about a telephone scam circulating that saw an elderly man conned out of £16,000.
Durham Constabulary is warning people in Teesdale and the surrounding area to be aware of callers pretending to be from energy companies and promising better deals if they 'sign up' with them.
Officers from Barnard Castle Police said one elderly victim gave scammers his bank details which allowed them to steal £12,000 over the phone and another £4,000 that was couriered through the Post Office.
