A 93-year-old woman in Tunbridge Wells alerted police about an attempt to defraud her after she was contacted by a man claiming to be a detective from a ‘London Police Station’.
The caller told her someone was trying to take thousands of pounds from her bank account and then instructed her to call him back.
Kent Police said it was an attempt ‘to try and confuse an elderly woman into providing details of her bank account’.
No money was stolen and a community support officer visited the pensioner to provide advice and reassurance.
Sergeant Ross Shearing said: ‘Unfortunately those who are targeted are often the most vulnerable, such as elderly people or victims with learning difficulties.�
‘A police force will never ask a member of the public for their bank details, or money, over the phone.�
‘If you receive one of these calls, end it immediately and wait at least five minutes before using your telephone in order to clear your line from the scammer.’
Sergeant Ross said they should then contact 101, or 999 in an emergency, and a call handler will be able to verify whether your caller was genuine
He added that the public should never hand over money, or other items, to a courier after receiving this type of call.
‘If you are not confident a person claiming to be a police officer is genuine, ask to take their details and then end the call.’
Alternatively, the public can contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, report suspicious activity online at www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
