A HAMPSHIRE woman has been defrauded out of more than £70,000 by a man claiming to be from Nigeria.

Police say the victim, who is in her fifties and lives in the New Forest, has paid varying sums of money to the conman over the past six years.

She is understood to have contacted detectives last Sunday after finally running out of cash.

A police spokesman said: "Over the past six years the woman has paid more than £70,000 by electronic transfer as a result of threatening e-mails and telephone calls.

"Residents are being warned not to pay money or give out personal details to anyone unless they are sure they are genuine."