An elderly woman handed over her life savings after falling victim to a "vishing" scam.

The Edinburgh pensioner, who is in her 90s, received a call from someone who claimed to be from a bank's fraud department.

The caller persuaded the Craigleith resident to transfer a five-figure sum from her account.

It follows a similar case at the beginning of June when a woman in her 60s handed her savings to conmen after they told her she needed to transfer cash because her bank card had been targeted by fraudsters.

Detective inspector Arron Clinkscales said: "These fraudsters are extremely convincing - they use apps which make the call appear to be from a bank or even police, mimicking their numbers.

"But crucially, they ask that you transfer money or take it out of your account. No bank or police officer would ever make a phone call to request this.

"If you receive such a call, take details and hang up - then call your bank from another phone, using a number from the phone book or official documents you hold.

"They will be able to give you advice and confirm that your accounts are secure."

DI Clinkscales added the fraudsters were "preying on older and vulnerable members of our communities".

He urged anyone who receives such a phone call to contact police on 101.