A BOGUS telephone call claiming there had been illegal activity on his broadband service set alarm bells ringing for Redditch man Alan Wodzynski.
Alan, who supports the local charity Re-Engage – formerly Contact the Elderly – realised such a call could strike fear into the hearts of elderly residents, and immediately posted a warning on the neighbourhood hub Nextdoor.
“It received around 20 comments, all from people who had received similar claims, however one elderly woman living on her own had received one saying that Amazon Prime would be taking £39.99 from her account unless she took action, which really frightened her,” said Alan.
Often the victim is asked to download an app onto their phone or computer and this can act as an electronic spy, recording logins and passwords so bank accounts can be accessed.
Redditch police also this week issued a warning over ‘Courier Fraud’ where a con artist phones their victim and claims to be from their bank, the police or other law enforcement authority claiming that fraudulent activity had taken place on their account.
They could also claim that someone has been arrested using their details and card.
“If you receive a call by someone claiming to be a police officer asking for money, hang up immediately, wait 10 minutes and call 101 using another phone if possible. In an emergency or if a crime is in progress call 999,” said a West Mercia Police spokesman.
“Banks, police officers and similar professionals will never contact members of the public to ask them to assist with investigations by ‘moving money to a safe account’ or similar activity such as buying items.
“If someone you don’t know contacts you out of the blue asking you to help with ‘an investigation’, be suspicious!
“Please make older family members and friends aware of it – police officers, and banks will never ask for account details or PINs over the phone.”
