How Fraudsters Scam Elderly Out of Cash
There is a new type of scam on the rise targeted against elderly people, so please ask your ageing parent to be on their guard and to contact the police if they are suspicious. There are two current forms of scam:
Being contacted by bogus policeman to gain cash
Elderly people are being targeted in a scam, in which they are telephoned by a fraudster pretending to be a police officer. The bogus officer informs the victim that their bank credit card is being used fraudulently
The victim is told to withdraw £5000 from their bank, so that an officer can come along to take and mark the notes
They are further advised not to reveal their reason for the withdrawal of this cash to the bank, as it may interfere with their investigations and stop them from catching the thieves
If the victim appears doubtful, or reluctant to do what is being asked of them, the fraudster tells them to seek immediate verification by calling 999
However, the fraudster keeps the line open by not hanging up and the victim, having dialled 999, unknowingly reconnects with the fraudster and has all the details confirmed by an accomplice
Being contacted to reveal their card and PIN details
Alternatively, the fraudster may ask his elderly victim to check the truth of his claim about bank card misuse with the bank, using the security number on the back of their card
Once again, but not hanging up, the fraudster keeps the line open and the victim using the bank’s printed security number, again unknowingly connects with a fraudster, who confirms that the claims are indeed correct
They also ask the victim to give their PIN details over the telephone
In one recent case, the fraudster obtained the victim’s PIN number and arranged for their credit card to be collected for ‘finger-printing’. As instructed, the victim doubly sealed their credit card in two envelopes. Fortunately, the courier company became suspicious and informed the police
Remind your elderly parent that credit card companies and banks will never:
- Ask for their card detail over the phone. They will only ask security questions and details of recent transactions
- Ask for their PIN number
- Ask your parent to take out cash
- Send anyone over to collect a credit or bank card
- Ask them to call 999 to verify card details
- Seal a credit cards in an envelope and give it to them
Please make your ageing parent, or any elderly friends and relatives aware of this scam. Contact Direct Gov for more details
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