ONE in ten carers in Yorkshire and the Humber know an elderly person who has been targeted by fraudsters, new figures show.

The statistics have been released by online cash payment company Ukash, and show that nationwide nearly a quarter of carers know someone who has already fallen victim to a fraudster.

The company fears the figures could be higher as many victims are too embarrassed to admit they have been conned or do not realise what has happened.

Marketing director, Miranda McLean, said: “Criminals are taking advantage of the trusting nature of elderly people and using sophisticated scams in the hope they’ll hand over their cash or bank details.

"With high pressure tactics being used by the fraudsters, it is easy to understand why older people are being caught out.

"That’s why we’re advising family, friends and carers to educate themselves and their loved ones on the different types of methods fraudsters use, including cold callers and door to door visits, to reduce the risk of this happening."