Vulnerable in Rugby targeted by phone scam - The Rugby Observer

Vulnerable in Rugby targeted by phone scam

Rugby Editorial 27th Aug, 2015 Updated: 27th Oct, 2016   0

SCAM callers have prompted a police warning after they tried to con three Rugby residents.

A spate of phones scams have been reported in which fraudsters claim to be calling on behalf of internet providers.

In each case, the fraudsters asked the victims if they have been having trouble with their internet, and ask for remote access to their computer to rectify the problem.

They tell the victims they are due compensation, and ask them to log in to their online banking to see that money has been transferred to them.




They will state that the money transferred is mistakenly more than originally stated, and they need to transfer it back to them either through a MoneyGram at the post office or via the Western Union.

The scammers have also told victims that there is a problem with their router and they will send someone to their address.


Of the three Rugby victims, two realised this was a scam, and one victim made a money transfer which was stopped by their bank.

A further incident occurred in Leamington on in which an elderly man was told he was due compensation due to problems with his computer. The scammers asked for his credit card details, and instead of being given the refund, the scammers attempted to withdraw cash. Fortunately the bank blocked the transaction.

Detective Constable Robert Ewington said: “These scammers will often target those who are vulnerable or elderly, convincing people that they are due compensation.

“We would advise people that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. By giving the fraudsters remote access to your computer, you are leaving yourself open to cyber fraud.

“If you receive a call like this, please do not engage with the fraudsters, hang up and report it to be police by calling 101 or contacting Action Fraud.

Warwickshire Police are offering the following advice:

  • Never hand over personal details over the phone.
  • Your internet provider would not remotely access your computer, without arranging this with you. If you receive a call out of the blue do not allow access.
  • Do not transfer money to someone you do not know.
  • Please share this warning with elderly friends and relatives.

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