Rogue callers have been targeting elderly residents in County Durham, pretending to be from the police or bank.
The convincing caller, often claiming to be a Detective, says they are investigating fraudulent activity on people’s accounts.
They request people’s help in investigating the fraud and ask people to disclose their bank details, such as account and PIN numbers.
The majority of people realise this is a scam and refuse to give over their personal details but unfortunately some people have already fallen victim to this.
Acting Inspector Kay Howarth from Durham Neighbourhood Team warned people to stay extra vigilant and said: “An elderly Durham resident was convinced enough to withdraw and part with over £1,500 cash which was collected by a ‘courier’.
“This type of criminal preys on the most vulnerable members of our community and once the victim realise what has happened they often feel too embarrassed to confide in their relatives.
“We are asking our communities to report any suspicious phone calls made to them or their relatives using the 101 number.”
Police are advising the public to make elderly relatives and friends aware of such scams and tell them NEVER to give out their personal details.
- Banks and police forces would NEVER ask for your bank account details or PIN number over the phone, so do not disclose these to anyone , no matter who they claim to be.
- Banks and police forces would NEVER ask you to withdraw money and send it to them via a courier, taxi or by any other means.
- Banks and police forces would NEVER ask you to send your bank cards or any other personal property to them via courier, taxi or by any other means.