Residents are being warned to be on their guard against criminals phoning them claiming to be from the police about a cloned bank card or claiming they are investigating fraud on the victim’s bank account.
Cold calls are received from fraudsters claiming to be from the Police. The scammers claim that they have someone in custody with a cloned bank card. They will ask the victim to call someone back either their bank, the police force they are claiming to call from or dial 999. When the victim puts the phone down and calls back, the scammers are in fact still on the line. So, when talking to their ‘bank’ or the ‘police’ the victim is in in fact talking to the criminal, who then takes all the victim’s personal details.
These scams can be extremely convincing and manipulative. The caller might be able to confirm some easily obtainable information about you such as your full name and address, date of birth or even the first eight digits of your bank account number. Remember that even if someone provides all your details correctly on the phone, it can still be a scam.
No police officer from any force and no bank will ever ask you to make a payment, purchase anything or hand over your personal details or passwords, withdraw or transfer money or ask for your bank details over this type of telephone call. Criminals may also tell you not to speak to anyone else about the investigation and promise that you will get your money back. They may ask you to lie to your bank or bypass security measures – it is essential that you follow any warnings from your bank and never lie to your bank.
If you receive this type of call hang up the phone and use a different phone line to call Action Fraud or the police as scammers have a way to stay on the line and will pretend to be the police when you call back.
If you don’t have access to a different phone line try calling a family member or friend first to make sure the scammer is no longer on the line.
If you have to use the same phone you received the scam call on, please wait ten minutes to hear a dial tone before calling the police or the bank using the number on the back of your card.
Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed about being defrauded, it can and does happen to anyone.
Councillor Iskandar Jefferies, Chairman of the Joint Public Protection Committee said “If you receive such a call you should not give out any personal information and hang up immediately. Use a different phone line to call Action Fraud or the police, as scammers have a way to stay on the line and will pretend to be the police when you call back. Just because someone knows basic details about you like your address or date of birth, it doesn’t mean they are genuine bank or police employees. Always question suspicious phone calls and report them.”
If you think you or someone you know has been defrauded, you can report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
