A SHOCKED pensioner has spoken of the moment she handed over £50 to get a callous con artist out of her home.

Anthea d’Ancey, 80, handed over the cash to get rid of the woman, who she feared may have been part of a gang.

It is understood a con artist has targeted numerous properties in Frinton, Kirby and Walton.

Mrs d’Ancey, who lives in Frinton, has spoken out about the incident in a bid to warn others.

“I had a knock at my door at 10pm last Sunday night and a young woman asked to use my phone,” she said.

“She was in a desperate state and said that her mother had had an accident.

“It was quite an act.

“I gave her my phone outside, but she then said she was desperate for the toilet, so she was then in my house.

“She then asked me to drive her to Chelmsford Hospital and when I declined, she asked me for the taxi money.

“I gave her £50 to get rid of her from my house.

“When she had gone, I looked all around in case she was part of a gang.”

Brave Mrs d’Ancey has spoken out after talking to a friend who she believes was a victim of the same scammer, but who had not reported the incident to the police.

She added: “People don’t always report these things so I wanted to warn others about what is happening.

“I was told by police that it is just a sob story and that it is a scam.

“I don’t know what the definition of a scam is and I handed the money over voluntarily.

“I just wanted to get rid of her.

“I don’t expect to get any money back, but I just want people to be aware.

“When she went I remained dressed for over an hour, just in case she had a gang of people with her waiting outside.”

Frinton PCSO Paul Brassey warned residents the hard luck story is a scam.

He said: “We have received reports over the last few weeks of a female in her 30s calling at properties in the Frinton and Walton area late at night, sometimes as late as 2am.

“She knocks on the doors and when it is answered she may ask to use the occupier’s phone.

“She then asks if she can borrow some money to get a taxi.

“She often uses the excuse that her mother is seriously ill and she needs to get to her or says her boyfriend has been stabbed.

“We are concerned as it appears many of the addresses she knocks at have elderly residents who may be worried by this type of activity.

“She sometimes is dressed in green and claims to be from the emergency services.”

The suspect is described as white with shoulder-length brown hair and of large build.

Anyone with information should email paul.brassey@essex.pnn.police.co.uk or call Clacton police on 101.