Tom Jones imposter scams £13,000 from woman in her 90s

Elderly pensioners have been targeted as part of the fake celebrity ruse, with one woman in her 90s handing over £13,000 to a conman pretending to be the Welsh singer Tom Jones.

The fake singers scammed residents in villages across the New Forest after contacting them on Facebook, promising them a car or telling them they'd been robbed.

In return, they were told to pay costs and taxes in the form of gift cards.

Hampshire Constabulary revealed one woman in her 90s from Milford on Sea was cleaned out of £13,000 in just three weeks in July this year.

Meanwhile, a man in his 60s from nearby Lymington was tricked by a dummy Celine Dion.

He was told the Canadian singer had been robbed and persuaded him to pay £910 in money and gift cards.

READ MORE: Woman charged after trio allegedly steal alcohol and cash from hotel overnight

Police are now urging residents to be vigilant of bogus celebrities and other online scammers.

Sergeant Leigh Brown, of Lymington neighbourhood policing team, said: “These types of criminals often target the most vulnerable, including, as was the case here, elderly members of our communities.

"The offenders gain their trust and convince them to part with their hard-earned money and savings.

"We’re determined to do as much as we can to reduce the number of victims of this type of crime.”

The police recently met with residents in Milford on Sea to discuss safety on the internet.

Hampshire police meeting with elderly residents in Lymington (Image: Hampshire police) They were taught tips to avoid falling victim to such scams, include being aware that a person online may not be who they say they are and that money shouldn't be sent to anyone online before speaking with a trusted person.

Sgt Brown added: “Never send money, gift cards or prepaid debit cards to someone you don’t know or haven’t met – even celebrities you meet on social media.”