TWO vulnerable women were taken from Blackburn to Manchester and allegedly conned out of thousands of pounds in a so-called immigration scam.

Police have denied social media rumours the women - one in her 30s and the other in her 80s - were kidnapped during the incidents on Friday and Monday.

But they have warned people to be vigilant after receiving reports of callers, claiming to be immigration officers, contacting people threatening deportation.

In the incident the callers have claimed the women, who are both from the Whalley Range area of Blackburn, could be deported unless they pay a fine.

The women have been taken by car to Manchester , made to hand over money - which the Lancashire Telegraph understands to have been thousands of pounds - before being returned to Blackburn unharmed.

A 50-year-old man, from Blackburn, has been arrested on suspicion of committing fraud by false representation and is in custody today.

Insp Martyn Holt said: “These types of scams can appear realistic but we’re urging people to be extra vigilant and suspicious of cold calls.

"Always question the caller’s intentions and never give out any personal information or grant access to your files or devices.

“If you are ever unsure, put the phone down straight away and ring the company or agency the caller is purporting to be from on a genuine number. All respected companies and agencies will have contact details on their website and they’ll be able to tell you if the call is legitimate or not.

“Furthermore, we are aware of some rumours on social media and private messaging services claiming the people involved have kidnapped. We can confirm this is not the case and it is a fraud investigation.”

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In a recording shared on social media a leading Imam is also heard warning worshippers at a mosque in Blackburn after concerns were raised.

He said: “We have been alerted that some people are calling at people’s homes pretending to be from the authorities and making threats.

“Please look out for members of your family and friends especially those who are vulnerable. We also have a responsibility to support all members of all communities.

“If anyone receives these type of calls they should not be afraid to contact the police directly.”

If you think you have been a victim of fraud contact police on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

For more information, help and advice on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud please visit https://www.actionfraud.police.uk