AN ELDERLY Pershore couple were tricked into handing over more than £80,000 by callous fraudsters posing as bank employees.
The victims, in their 70s, saw a total of £85,000 fraudulently transferred from several bank accounts on Monday, August 18, about 9am.
A conman pretending to work for a bank called the Pershore man and told him a cheque to the value of £17,000 had been tendered from the couple’s account and advised him to call their bank straight away.
The unsuspecting man immediately called what he believed to be his bank, but the offender had not hung up his call so it was directed straight back to his number.
Posing as a member of the bank’s fraud department, the suspect then told the victim to transfer funds from various other accounts as the original one had been compromised.
Police were able to secure some of the transferred money, but warned residents to remain vigilant of attempts to defraud them and have issued a reminder that banks will never ask for account details or PINs over the phone.
Det Insp Mark Glazzard, of the economic crime unit, said: “This is an appalling crime and fraudsters continue to target vulnerable individuals, I would therefore like to take this opportunity to highlight the dangers posed by fraudulent calls.
“Thankfully, in this instance we were able to retrieve a significant amount of funds but we continue to ask everyone to be vigilant and ensure elderly family and friends are made aware of the dangers.
“Banks would not set up accounts for you without your notice nor direct you to transfer any funds to such accounts.”
Anyone who has been affected by a fraudulent call can contact police on the non-emergency number 101 or by calling Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.
Incidents can also be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
