Detectives from the Hertsmere Local Crime Unit (LCU) are re-issuing advice about suspicious phone calls following a recent spike in a number of phone scams.
Over the last two weeks there have been eight reported phone scams in the district.
Between 11am and 2pm on September 29, a woman in her late 80s from Borehamwood was contacted by someone claiming to be a police officer from Hammersmith police station. The caller asked the woman to withdraw cash and provide her PIN. They then said a courier would be sent for cards but they never arrived after the woman contacted the police.
On the same day at around midday, a man in his 70s from Potters Bar was contacted by someone who also purported to be a police officer. The caller attempted to obtain bank card details but was not successful.
Later the same day, at around 7pm, a woman in her mid-70s from Bushey was called by a person stating they were an officer from Hammersmith police station. They stated they needed the woman’s help with a fraud investigation. After the woman challenged the caller, the fraudster ended the call.
In Bushey Heath, a man in his 80s was contacted at around 4pm on October 2, again by a person claiming to be a police officer from Hammersmith. Similarly to the previous calls, the offender attempted to obtain banking details. However, when the man challenged the caller, they ended the call.
Three calls were made to residents on October 6. A woman in her 30s from Shenley was contacted by someone claiming she’d won a competition but would needed banking details. She refused to provide them and ended the call.
A woman in her 90s from Borehamwood and a woman in hers 80s from Potters Bar were both contacted during the afternoon by someone claiming to be from the police. In both instances, the caller stated they were investigating incidents of fraudulent activity and required banking details. Neither person called provided details and the fraudster(s) ended the call.
On the following day (October 7), a woman in her late 80s from Bushey was called by someone stating they were from Paddington police and said they had her bank cards. The woman said she did not believe the caller and so they hung up.
Detective Constable Rob Wood from the Hertsmere LCU said: “Thankfully in all the instances the fraudsters’ intended victims did not divulge their banking details, hand over any property or lose any money.
“However, in cases where the fraudsters have been successful in conning people the effects can be devastating. People not only lose their life savings, they also lose their trust and confidence.
“We are continuing to try and raise awareness about these scams, but I would urge people to make their relatives, friends and neighbours aware about them too so we can hopefully prevent another person falling victim to these fraudsters.
“Our advice is clear, the police and banks would:
- NEVER ask for your bank account details or PIN number over the phone, so do not disclose these to anyone, no matter who they claim to be.
- NEVER ask you to withdraw money and send it to them via a courier, taxi or by any other means.
- NEVER ask you to send your bank cards, or any other personal property, to them via courier, taxi or by any other means.
- NEVER ask you to transfer money from account to another over the telephone.
“If you are not happy with a phone call and are suspicious of the conversation you have with the caller then please end the call and contact police via the non-emergency number, 101.
“Remember, when reporting a suspicious phone call to police, wait at least five minutes before attempting to make the call or use a mobile or neighbour’s phone to ensure you’re not reconnected to the offender.”
Did you know?
Phones are now available that automatically block withheld numbers, which are often used by offenders. People’s service providers may also be able to assist with blocking unwanted calls.
For further information about phone scams and how to avoid becoming a victim, please visit www.herts.police.uk/PhoneScams
Want to listen to a mock phone scam call?
Visit our YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvWjvsmG1t0
