IT WAS a phone call that could have tempted someone less wary to part with their hard-earned savings.

Disabled pensioner Beryl Ilsley was phoned by a woman, apparently with an American accent, offering her a cheap sunshine holiday in the USA.

The stroke victim could have been forgiven for thinking she was in for a treat - the offer of three weeks in the tropical Florida Keys for £500 sounded tempting.

But Mrs Ilsley, 69, became increasingly nervous as the persistent saleswoman then asked for her credit card details and personal details to seal the deal.

Fortunately, the pensioner's daughters were in the house at the time and saw her distress - and listened in on the call.

The fraudster then hung up when she heard them intervening to demand an explanation.

Now police are warning householders in Hampshire - especially the elderly -- to be on their guard against unsolicited calls.

Mrs Ilsley, of Lower Brook Street, Winchester, said: ''I think it was disgusting for them to try it on with a disabled lady. The caller seemed genuine, but luckily I've still got my faculties.''

Daughter Heather Currie said: "I think it's disgusting to target the elderly like this. This woman rang and asked if my mother was a widow, were her family living near by and did she have a VISA card

"It was obvious they were up to no good, but elderly people can get confused.

"If my sister and I hadn't been there, she may have given her VISA details."

A police spokesman said they had not had any other reports of bogus calls, but he advised any recipients of unsolicited calls not to engage in any form of conversation or transaction.

Chris Perry, director of Hampshire Age Concern, said: "These certainly seem to be odd sorts of questions to ask someone if you were selling a holiday.

"I would advise people to be very wary of those who make contact by telephone or on the doorstep without checking them out first."

He said: "I would tell anyone never give out VISA details unless they have had dealings with the company before."

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