Banking scam fraudsters con two Shropshire pensioners
Two Shropshire pensioners have fallen victim to a banking scam transferring thousands of pounds in savings to a false account.
The devastated women, were persuaded to put their money into a new “safe” account after being told several fraudulent transactions had been made from their bank accounts.
A total of more than £37,000 was transferred into the false accounts.
Both victims, aged 80 and 74, were initially suspicious but were persuaded to carry out the caller’s instructions in the belief they were protecting their savings.
The two incidents have prompted the head of Warwickshire and West Mercia Police’s Economic Crime Unit to issue a fresh warning that no banking or personal details should ever be given to people making contact by telephone.
Detective Inspector Mark Glazzard said: “The criminals behind these scams can sound very convincing and will be most persuasive. But the bottom line is, never give your banking details or personal information to cold callers phoning out of the blue.
“If they tell you something which causes concern, my advice is to visit your local bank branch to discuss and check out the matter. It is best to go to the branch in person rather than to phone up – then you know for sure it’s safe.”
DI Glazzard said fraudsters preyed on the elderly and would be persistent and convincing.
“In the two recent Shropshire cases, both victims were called by someone purporting to be from a bank saying there were some strange transactions on their bank account which had been compromised.
“They were told that a new bank account had been opened for them and they would have to visit their local branch to transfer their money into the new safe account. They were given an account number and sort code by the caller, who claimed to be head of the bank’s security.”
He stressed that under no circumstances should people disclose any details of their banking matters over the phone to cold callers.
“Banks will not call you asking for such details over the phone. If you receive any calls suggesting your account is at risk in any way, terminate the call and visit your local branch in person for reassurance”.
He added: “Be aware that fraudsters are seeking to take advantage and they do this by suggesting there is something untoward with your account. I stress do not discuss matters with someone who has called you, even if they advise you to telephone your bank. My advice is not to call your bank but to pay it a visit in person at the earliest opportunity.”
