A TEENAGE boy has been arrested after an elderly woman from Somerset was allegedly conned out of £6,000.

A 16-year-old and a 28-year-old man were arrested by Avon and Somerset Police after the victim was convinced to withdraw the four-figure sum from her bank account by one of the suspects impersonating a police officer.

Police said the woman, from Bath, was targeted on Thursday.

One of the suspects allegedly convinced her to attend her bank and withdraw a large quantity of money. A courier then called at her house to pick the money up.

Acting Detective Inspector Dave Lewis said: "The two people have been questioned and released under investigation while we progress with our inquiries.

"We'd like to use this incident as a reminder to people to be wary of fraudsters posing as police, or in some cases utility company officials or banks, in order to con vulnerable people out of money.

"It's also important people ensure their elderly friends and neighbours know what to look out for to avoid falling victim to a scam and have the confidence to challenge cold callers and check their authenticity."

The incident came as a new study revealed more than two-fifths of older people believe they have been targeted by scammers, with single people more likely to be tricked than their married counterparts.

Some 43% of over-65s think they have been targeted. Of those who had previously been targeted by scammers, 16% of single older people paid them money, compared with 6% of those who were married.

Single people were also more likely than married people to have provided scammers with their personal information, the research from Age UK found.

The findings coincide with Scams Awareness month in July, organised by Citizens Advice and Trading Standards Services.

Two-thirds (64%) of those targeted by scammers did not report it to an official channel, with well over a third (36%) only confiding in friends and family, and more than a fifth (22%) admitting they did not tell anyone at all because they felt too embarrassed.

Phishing (such as scam emails) was the most common scam in the survey, followed by vishing or verbal communication, rogue traders and card fraud.

Caroline Abrahams, charity director at Age UK, said: "Everyone has the right to feel comfortable, safe and secure at home, yet there are an increasing number of sophisticated scams designed to cheat people of their money, empty their bank account or steal their identity.

"We are urging all older people, and their friends and families, to be vigilant and get up to speed on how to avoid scams.

"If there is any doubt about the authenticity of an offer or piece of correspondence, do not respond and report it to the authorities immediately."

Age UK offers free information and advice for anyone who is worried about being scammed, including free guides.

It has more help at www.ageuk.org.uk/money-matters/consumer-advice/scams-advice.

More than 1,300 people aged 65-plus took part in the survey across Britain.