PHONE fraudsters have begun a new wave of attempts to scam vulnerable people into handing over thousands of pounds in Hoddesdon and Cheshunt.
Police are experiencing a change to the way the fraudsters are operating, with victims also being told to withdraw large sums of money, often thousands of pounds.
Operation Policy is the investigation into the fraudulent phone calls which sees offenders calling people, pretending to be a police officer or from a bank, requesting bank details and bank cards.
A courier is then sent to the victim’s house to collect the cash, or their card, which is later used to withdraw money.
Police have received more than 100 reports of suspicious phone calls since the beginning of the year, with calls being made to residents across the county.
Residents in Hoddesdon and Cheshunt, are among those to have been targeted within last week, the majority aged in their 70s, 80s and 90s.
Detectives are carrying out thorough investigations into the crime and a number of arrests have been made.
Officers from safer neighbourhood teams have been working to educate residents and working closely with local taxi companies and Hertfordshire Community Meals to raise awareness of the crime.
Detective Inspector Jason Keane is leading Hertfordshire Constabulary’s response to this crime. He said: “Of these 100 calls, nine people have actually handed over their bank cards or cash, so most people are taking the correct action and saying no on the phone.
“However there are still people who have fallen for this scam, and the victims are deeply affected when they realise the call was not legitimate.
“It is so important that we make many people aware that this is taking place, and I would ask people to ensure their older relatives, neighbours and friends are aware.
“It could be your parent or grandparent targeted so we would ask that you remind them that police officers would not ask people to reveal their personal bank account details, including PIN numbers.
“And we would never ask someone to withdraw money.”