Fraud over the telephone was the cover feature article in the February 2014 print issue of Professional Security magazine. Police in Warwickshire and West Mercia have launched a campaign to tackle an increasing number of incidents in which elderly and vulnerable people are being conned into revealing details of their bank accounts.
Fraudsters contact the victims claiming that their accounts have been compromised and ask them to phone their banks using a number which the offenders supply. Some offences have involved criminals posing as officers from the Metropolitan Police.
The confused victim dials the number given not realising that the offender has not cleared the line and gives them the account details, including PINs.
In some cases the offenders have sent round “couriers” to collect the bank cards and take them into safe keeping. They then withdraw cash from the victim’s account. The couriers may be the offenders or unwitting taxi drivers booked to collect the cards. Incidents have been reported across the country and include one offence in the Leamington Spa area of Warwickshire and nine in the Worcester area of West Mercia. Police are urging individuals to be vigilant, and not to be taken in by this scam.
Posters are being distributed in communities across both force areas, and local officers are speaking to those who may be affected and anyone who has contact with them. They advise:
Banks and police officers will never ask for account details or PINs over the phone, and would not come round to the house to collect your cards or property.
If you do get such a call, hang up immediately and dial 999 using another phone.
If you have already been taken in by this scam, or know someone who has, make sure that the cards are cancelled and police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit
www.crimestoppers-uk.org
