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

If you want to discuss elderly scams and fraud  or have any advice, please share this with us on our forum