Hampshire constabulary are issuing a scam warning after residents in Andover were conned into handing over thousands of pounds after being persuaded into taking it out of the bank.
The fraudsters telephoned their victims, claiming to be police officers who said they were investigating the use of counterfeit money by banks in Andover.
They persuaded their victims they needed to withdraw money from the bank so that it could be tested after being collected by couriers.
Between June 14 and June 24, there were three reported incidents in Andover.
The fraudsters targeted a man in his 90’s and a woman in her 80’s, who were both persuaded to hand over thousands of pounds.
Another man in his 80’s was prevented handing over a further large sum of money after bank staff became suspicious and called police.
Officers have spoken to all three victims and will follow-up to provide advice and reassurance.
Please be on your guard against fraudsters and follow this advice:
•Please remember that police officers will never call people in this way and ask you to withdraw money or disclose personal or financial information. If someone does do this, please hang up – it will be a scam.
•Consider contacting your telephone provider to get a free call-blocking service if you are getting unsolicited calls.
•If you are a friend, relative or carer of someone you think might be vulnerable to this type of scam, please speak to them about this advice. You might be the only person who can stop them from being scammed.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of this type of fraud, report it to us by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, dial 999.
You can make yourself aware of this type of scam and how to protect yourself against them by visiting the Action Fraud website (https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/) or by calling them on 0300 123 2040.
