| We’ve received several calls today regarding strangers targeting people by phone or in person to access their personal details and want to urge people to speak to their elderly and vulnerable family members and friends about the importance of keeping personal information safe.
Unfortunately, a woman who received a call in her home today has been defrauded of £4500 and an investigation is underway.
In cases like this, fraudsters will call a victim pretending to be from their bank or building society, convincing them to give out their card details over the phone.
They arrange for a courier to pick up the bank card to take it away claiming it’s to be used for evidence or that it will be destroyed.
The card is collected by a courier and taken to the fraudsters so they can use it to withdraw money.
Please be advised – a police officer or bank will never:
- Ask for your personal financial information over the phone, including your PIN
- Invite you to make purchases either over the phone, online or in person
- Ask you to move money from your account
- Instruct you not to tell anyone about what they are asking you to do, or instruct you to lie to other officials about what you are doing
If you take a call from someone who you believe is not genuine, hang up, and contact either Action Fraud or the police.
Where possible use a different phone to make the call, in case the fraudulent caller is still on the line and if you do give your details to someone who you later believe is not credible, it’s important that you contact the bank immediately.
You can report scams and attempts to obtain personal information to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
More advice on fraud can be found on the Bedfordshire Police website or via the Action Fraud website. |
