Police are urging residents to be vigilant against phone scams after an elderly woman was tricked into handing over £7,000 to criminals who were posing as police officers.
The victim, who is in her 90s and lives near Marlborough, was contacted over the phone by someone claiming to be from Scotland Yard, who said they were investigating fraud on her bank account.
They persuaded her to withdraw cash and purchase gift vouchers, totaling £7,000, and hand them over to a courier.
PCSO Mark Braithwaite, from Wiltshire East Community Policing Team, said: “This was a despicable and heartless crime by people who posed as police officers and won the trust of a vulnerable victim.
“They had a convincing story, telling the woman that she could not mention the money to anyone, as it was a secret investigation into fraud, leaving her too afraid to confide in friends or family, or even her bank when she went in to withdraw the money.
“We need people to understand how slick and professional these criminals are and how convincing they can appear. And we need people to take care, be extra cautious and vigilant and take precautions to help stop them falling victim to this type of fraud.”
He added: “It is also important that people sit down and talk to their elderly or vulnerable friends or family. Please explain the precautions they can take and encourage them to either speak to you or contact police if they receive a suspicious phone call.”
Our advice to people if they receive a suspect phone call:
– Say “OK thanks, I’ll call you back”.
– Use a different phone to ensure fraudster has not ‘held’ the line open, OR phone a friend, to hear a familiar voice and know line is clear.
– NEVER use a number given by the caller.
– DO NOT confirm or provide personal information over the phone to someone that has called you. (Bank account/ card details, passwords, IDs).
– If the caller claims they are a police officer or police staff, ring the police on 101 and check the details first. Take time to check as it could save you losing money or having your identity stolen.
– Remember, a police officer will NEVER ask you to withdraw money and give it to them as part of an investigation.
– If the caller claims they are from your bank, ring your bank using the number on the back of your bank card or on your statement.
If you receive a call of this nature, please record as much detail as possible and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the online reporting tool: www.actionfraud.police.uk
