Police renew telephone bank scam warning

Police are warning residents to beware as fraudsters continue to target communities by telephone, particularly elderly and vulnerable people.

Three further incidents of telephone fraud have been reported in the Honiton and Crediton areas of Devon and St Agnes in Cornwall, totalling £138,000.

Fraudsters contact victims by telephone informing them that their accounts have been fraudulently accessed or that the bank has increased security. 

Victims are then instructed to contact a false helpline or redial a legitimate number, with the current line kept open. The victim is tricked into thinking they are being put through to their bank.

The victim is then instructed to attend their bank and withdraw money (typically ranging into several thousands) or divulge cards or pin numbers.

Police are warning the public, particularly older residents, not to go along with this scam and to report any attempts to the police, by calling 101.

Detective Chief Inspector for Devon and Cornwall, John Shuttleworth, said:  “Telephone fraud has a devastating effect on victims, who are often elderly and in many cases are vulnerable. 

“Victims have been scammed out of thousands of pounds, often their life savings.

“Progress is being made with making arrests of perpetrators, but there are others out there committing this type of crime. 

“People need to remain vigilant.  If in doubt about a phone call, people should hang up and report any information they have to police. 

“It is advised that people do not enter into conversations with anyone on the telephone about personal financial information.

“We are also urging the staff of banks and other financial institutions to look out for possible victims who are withdrawing large sums of cash. 

“Ideally they should try and find out the reason for the withdrawal, recording as much information as possible.  Then contact police, advising the customer you are doing so.”

If you receive a phone call of this nature, police advise you to:

• End the phone call immediately. Wait at least five minutes to clear the line from the scammer before making any other calls, or use another phone.
• Report the offence as soon as possible to police by telephoning 101.

Please remember:

• Your bank will never come to your home.
• Your bank and the police will never collect your bank card or cash.
• Your bank and the police will never ask for your PIN.

Anyone with any information about this fraud can contact police on 101, quoting Op Fardel crime reference JN/14/932.

Further safety information can be found here.