Bank fraud – withdraw your money

This is telephone fraud, not an internet fraud.  The fraudster has been telephone potential victims claiming that there has been a fraud at their bank.  They are then instructed to withdraw money from their bank and hand it to the scammer who has called at their house.  Clearly the scammer lives locally to the victims – in Hertfordshire, UK.

However, this scam could happen anywhere.  If fraud takes place at your bank they will NEVER ask you to withdraw your money.  Do not talk to these scammer.

WARNING AFTER SCAM HITS WATFORD AND THREE RIVERS

Police investigating two incidents where elderly people have been conned into handing over a large amounts of money, are issuing a warning to prevent further incidents.

The first incident took place in Watford between 22 and 23 August. A couple in their 80s received a phone call from someone purporting to be a police officer investigating a fraud at the victim’s bank. On two occasions he called again and asked the victims to withdraw large amounts of money. Someone would then call at the home and take the money from them to ‘keep at the station’. No identification was shown.

The second incident occurred in South Oxhey on between 24 and 29 August. The victim, a 90 year old woman, was also called by someone claiming to be a police officer investigating a fraud in her bank account and that she needed to withdraw her money to ensure it was safe. On four occasions the victim was directed to the bank and a man would then call at the door to take the money for safe-keeping.

Detective Inspector Clare Smith said: “We need to make people aware of this scam so to prevent further victims. Sadly, these victims parted with thousands of pounds.

“Police would never ring people and tell them to take money out of their account and if a police officer comes to your door they will always show you their warrant card and you can always call us to verify their identity if you are unsure.

“During the phone call, the offenders are telling the victims to ring the police immediately after their call to prove they are police. The offenders then do not disconnect the call so when the victim dials 999, the offenders are still on the line.

“If you do get a call of this nature use another phone to call police or speak to a neighbour before contacting police to clarify if it is a genuine call.