Detectives are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward after an elderly couple was targeted by fraudsters in Poole.
The incident took place during the evening of Tuesday 20 August 2013 at an address on Guernsey Road in the town.
The victims were at home when they received a telephone call from a man claiming to be a police officer from Bournemouth and Poole Police – this police officer does not exist. He told them that two men had been arrested and were in possession of their bank details. Believing they were speaking to a genuine police officer, bank cards and pin numbers were handed over to a courier during the duration of the call. An amount of cash has since been withdrawn.
Detective Constable Al Marks, of Bournemouth and Poole CID, said: “Similar scams have occurred recently where the offenders have claimed to be from BT. I cannot stress strongly enough that bank cards and pin numbers should not be given to anyone, no matter who they claim to be.
“A real police officer would never ask for these items to be surrendered.
“This incident is extremely distressing to those targeted and I am concerned that more people may have been affected. If you feel that you have been the victim of a similar offence I urge you to contact Dorset Police as soon as possible.
“I am keen to speak to anyone who has information that can help with this investigation, if you know anything please come forward.
“I ask the local community to be extra vigilant to this type of crime as the offender targeted vulnerable elderly members of the public.
“If you receive calls of this nature report them to police by calling Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Please also pass this information on to friends and neighbours.”
Witnesses and anyone with information should call Dorset Police in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 20:550. Alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111 where mobile phone tariffs may apply.
