An elderly resident has handed over a large amount of money after a phone scam.
Over the last week five elderly victims in Christchurch have been targeted with fraudulent phone calls.
The caller told the victims that he is police officer from a London police station and he had arrested a man who was in possession of a cloned bank card with the victim’s details.
During four of the incidents the victim did not divulge any sensitive personal information to the fraudster but in one of the cases the offender managed to persuade the victim to withdraw a large amount of money from a bank account and hand it over.
DI Mark Samuel, of Bournemouth CID, said: “These are callous offenders targeting the most vulnerable members of our community.I would like to stress that the police, no matter which force, would never ask anyone to divulge personal information in such a way or to hand over cash to a courier or anyone else. I urge residents, when contacted by anyone trying to persuade them to hand over or transfer money, not to agree to any such arrangements and to inform Dorset Police on 101 at the earliest opportunity.
“I would also ask family members and neighbours to report any concerns to the police. These types of scams have been reported previously in other parts of Dorset and nationally. I strongly urge everyone to be vigilant to make sure they take note of our crime prevention advice.”
- Do not reveal your bank details including PIN to anyone – banks will already have these details and will never ask for your card back.
- If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from your bank, do not give them any details, hang up and call your bank on their regular contact telephone number and the police – using a different telephone and phone line.
- Do not give your bank cards to strangers whatever reason they may give you to part with them.
- Do not allow any unknown or unexpected callers inside your home. If you are suspicious, call 999 immediately.
- Do not hand over any cash to people unknown to you.
DI Samuel continued: “We’d urge people to dismiss any calls they receive like this and report them to police by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.”
Anyone with information about such scams should call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.
