Two scammers concocted an elaborate sob story to manipulate a man into handing over £5,000.

The shopper was walking through Week Street in Maidstone when he was approached by an Asian woman who said she had won a large sum of lottery money.

The woman said she could not claim her winnings because her visa had expired.

A foreign man also posed as a complete stranger to take part in the subterfuge.

The scammers used props and tricks, including a winning lottery ticket, to convince the victim the story was real.

The woman sobbed throughout and even claimed her mother was dying and she wanted to see her to provoke sympathy during the incident which happened at 1pm on November 10.

The victim’s son said his father was taken in by the story and was persuaded to collect the money from his bank. It was only much later that he realised he had been conned.

KCC’s head of Trading Standards, Steve Rock, said: “Most people naturally want to help someone in trouble and scammers use these sad stories to exploit the kindness of people."

Mr Rock urged people approached in this manner to avoid giving money or information and to refer them on to Citizens Advice on 03444 111 444 or contact police on 101 with details and descriptions.

Kent Police have confirmed they are investigating an allegation of fraud where a quantity of cash was taken.