CHESHIRE police are warning local residents of a new Payment Protection Insurance scam which has already conned 10 people.

Elderly victims have so far lost around £5,000.

Scammers cold call victims, taking their details and offering to enquire as to whether or not they are eligible for a refund on mis-sold PPI.

The victim will then receive a call a few weeks later, telling them to buy ‘Ukash′ vouchers in order to receive the refund.

‘Ukash′ vouchers are used to buy goods online and are available in shops and post offices.

The fraudsters will then request the 19-digit code on the voucher, enabling them to steal the money.

They will then continue to call back to request more money. The victim will not receive the PPI refund.

The fraudsters are targeting the elderly in this particular scam.

PCSO Melissa Mellor said: "We would like to highlight this scam to people and ask them to make their elderly relatives and friends aware about it.

"We would ask that anyone who receives a call of this nature, or who believes they may have been a victim, to contact police as soon as possible.”

Anyone who has been caught by this scan can call Cheshire Police on 101.