POLICE have received a report of a possible new phone scam in East Hampshire after a 92-year-old Alton man was called by someone he didn’t know and persuaded to buy 75 Irish lottery tickets.

When the victim agreed to buy the tickets he was asked for his bank debit card details to ensure the tickets could be bought on his behalf.

He was told evidence of the tickets he bought would be sent to him through the post.

A few days later he was contacted again and asked if he would be interested in other lotteries in Europe and Australia. Having been advised that a good win was common, the victim expressed an interest and was told that some tickets would be bought for him in the Italian Lottery and in the Australian Lottery.

Over three months, nine further purchases were made, most without the victim’s agreement.

When the victim contacted his bank when he found that £15,000 had been taken out of his account.

Investigating officer Inspector Louise Rooks said: “This matter has been referred to the national action fraud team and is the only report of this type that we have received in East Hampshire at the moment.”

Insp Rooks is urging anyone who has been harassed by someone trying to sell them lottery tickets on the phone to contact the police on 101 to assist with the investigation.

She added: “If you have elderly relatives or neighbours, please share this information with them.”

Hampshire Constabulary is offering advice:

* Never give out any personal information about your bank account to anybody over the phone;

* Never give your PIN number out in any form (including typing in to a keypad);

* If someone calls claiming to be a police officer, ask for their identification number and police force. Hang up the call and advise that you will call them back using the 101 number;

* A genuine police officer will not mind waiting while you check. Call them back from a different phone if possible or wait at least 10 minutes before making the call, to ensure they have not left the line open;

* If you have given out information which could compromise your bank account security in any way, call your bank up to cancel your cards as soon as possible;

* Never hand over money to someone at the door to be sent off elsewhere;

* If someone comes to your door claiming to be a police officer or staff member, always ask for identification and make a note of their identification number. Ask them to wait while you verify their identity. Close the door and call 101. Dial 999 if it is an emergency.

Anyone concerned about similar incidents or has information relating to them should contact police by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, call 999.