Staffordshire Police has warned residents about scams which could leave pensioners penniless. The force has shared information from the Government about what you can do to stay safe from people who are trying to get their hands on your hard-earned cash.

These types of scams are often done via text or a phone call, where scammers will try to pressure you into making a quick decision that you may not have had chance to think through properly.

The most common of these scams will usually be about an investment or business opportunity, taking money from your pension pot before you’re 55 or ways that you can invest your pension money.

While it can be tempting to invest your money when you are told you could double your funds, it is important to remember that this could be too good to be true.

If you want to be able to spot a scammer, it will be useful to know the tactics they tend to use.

Scammers will often contact you unexpectedly, and will often put pressure on you to make a decision very quickly. They will usually encourage you to take out a large lump sum, and let them invest it on your behalf.

Government advice states that if someone calls you claiming to be from an official body and asks for your personal or financial details, you should not reveal them.