POLICE are warning residents of a spate of scam phone calls targeting vulnerable people in Redditch and across the county in the last two months.
The criminals are often posing as police, MI6 or from the fraud squad. They inform the victims their bank cards have been used fraudulently and they need to either, transfer money to a secure police account or call their bank immediately while they remain on the line to get their details.
officers are reminding people not to hand out their details as genuine police or services will never ask for PINs, bank details, or for someone to transfer money to them.
Recently they have told them they are from Customs and Excise and the victim needs to pay to receive a tax rebate.
the majority of those targeted have recognised the call as a scam but several others have been conned out of significant amounts of money.
Detective Inspector Tim Bower said: “West Mercia Police take these scams extremely seriously. The scammers will often target those who are elderly and vulnerable, having a hugely detrimental impact even if they are unsuccessful in obtaining money. The scammers will try a number of different tactics and we’d ask you to share the following advice, particularly with any elderly friends or relatives.”
