ORWELL — Vermont State Police urge caution when sending money to unknown people after a 72-year-old woman lost $5,000 in a phone scam.

Police said the woman was contacted by an individual posing as a representative from Bank of America, who said she was the winner of a promotional contest worth $350,000. The person then convinced the woman to send $5,000 as part of the terms of the contest, which she did, police said.

According to police, the woman said she was contacted again by the individual, who told her the actual amount she had won was $4.1 million, but she would need to send more money.

At this point, the woman contacted a friend who told her it was a scam. Attempts to contact the individual again were not successful.

Police said people should be wary of unknown people seeking money without verifying their identity.