A CONMAN posing as a police officer tried to defraud a Lutterworth pensioner by telling him someone accessed his bank account – and the man who was targeted is now warning others about the scam.
Jack, 87, was called last month by someone claiming to be from a police station in London.
Jack said: “I immediately thought this is a scam but I was just a little curious. I knew I needed to leave sufficient time before checking if the call was genuine. I called 999 and was put through to the police who told me that the call I had received was a potential scam.”
Later that day he received further calls from a withheld number and answered it. He told the caller it sounded like a scam, at which point the suspect hung up.
It was an example of courier fraud, in which victims – typically elderly and vulnerable people – are targeted by someone claiming to be in authority, such as a police officer.
The scam artist will claim there has been fraudulent use of the victim’s bank card, and ask them to withdraw large sums of money or buy expensive items. Arrangements are then made to send someone to collect the cash or item from the victim’s home.
Jack said: “I know these offences are becoming more and more prevalent. I want to help the police by getting the message across.
“If you get a call in similar circumstances put the phone down, don’t get drawn in to a conversation and never disclose any personal details. Use a different telephone to contact the police as there’s always a chance the caller may still be connected to your line.”
Since October 2019, victims of courier fraud in Leicestershire have been fleeced by a total of over £120,000.
Paul Wenlock, head of Leicestershire Police’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “Fortunately Jack became suspicious and no money exchanged hands. It’s extremely important for people to be aware of these offences.
“One thing to be aware of is the police or banks would never contact people in this way. If they are called they should disconnect the call straight away and report the incident to the police using another telephone, as on some occasions calls can remain connected.
“If you have an elderly neighbour or relative make them aware of this scam. The callers do sound plausible and it is quite easy to get drawn in.”
Visit www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/courier-fraud for more information on courier fraud.
