A particular type of fraud targeting elderly people is on the
increase across London. Our aim is to raise awareness and provide some key
crime prevention messages to the elderly and their circle of support - friends,
family, neighbours etc.
By raising awareness we will decrease the likelihood of people
falling victim.The average age of the victim is 70 years old. The average loss is
£4,000.
The Method
1) The method varies but essentially involves a victim being telephoned (cold -called) by a suspect who alleges to be someone of authority (eg, from the police, bank, Serious Fraud Office). The suspect tells the victim there is a problem with their bank account (like it has been compromised) and that their bank card must be collected.
1) The method varies but essentially involves a victim being telephoned (cold -called) by a suspect who alleges to be someone of authority (eg, from the police, bank, Serious Fraud Office). The suspect tells the victim there is a problem with their bank account (like it has been compromised) and that their bank card must be collected.
2) If the victim is unconvinced that the call is genuine they are
instructed to hang up and call a genuine number – such as 999 or the telephone
number on the rear of their bank card. However, the suspect keeps the telephone
line open and so the call goes straight back to the fraudster who then deals
with any subsequent call, convincing the victim of their authenticity.
3) The victim is then content to reveal their bank details, namely
the PIN.
4) An often unwitting courier or taxi driver is sent to collect
the victim’s card. The card is delivered to a second suspect, who then passes
it on to the fraudster. The fraudster then empties the bank account.
Key Messages
Primary: (To potential victims, family, friends) Never give anyone your PIN or bank card – the police and banks will never ask for them.
Secondary/supporting message(s): (To cabbies/couriers)
Beware of collecting and delivering packages from elderly people as you may be
assisting in a criminal offence. Primary: (To potential victims, family, friends) Never give anyone your PIN or bank card – the police and banks will never ask for them.
Reporting offences: If you have been a victim call the police on 101 or in an emergency by dialling 999. (Generally victims are elderly/vulnerable and therefore it is NOT appropriate to report this matter to Action Fraud).
A courier fraud awareness day is being held
on Wednesday 20th March.
If you are part of a neighbourhood watch group please consider
meeting on 20th March (or any time that week) in order to focus on this issue
and give out the above messages.
warning from Metropolitan Police ttp://www.met.police.uk/cgi-bin/htsearch?words=courier+fraud+awareness+day&config=metpolice&restrict&Search+this+site.x=7&Search+this+site.y=4
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