Are we all at risk of bank fraud scammers?

THANK you, Catherine Downey, for having the courage to write about falling victim to banking fraud (Mail). I had a similar call from the ‘NatWest fraud department’. I told the caller I was not convinced she was who she said; she told me to call the number on my bank card. I could never imagine allowing myself to be encouraged to open a bank account over the phone, as Catherine was. Banks need to do more to tighten up online security to protect their customers.

LES MOrGAN, Southport, Merseyside. DESPITE all the publicity, there are still gullible people who willingly hand over their bank details to a stranger on the other end of the phone. Why should any bank reimburse these people? Mrs J. CrICKMOrE,

Marks Tey, Essex.

I WAS surprised to be called by the ‘Ministry of Justice’, telling me the Inland Revenue owed me £500. I was told to go to a local shop; in exchange for £100 I would be given a number to pass on to a ministry representative and release the rebate. I played along for a week of calls. I phoned the police who redirected me to the Fraud Squad; they advised me not to hand over any money but did nothing.

JENNIE MArTIN, Norwich, Norfolk. WHEN I contact my bank, I am required to jump through hoops before they will speak to me. Why does the same not happen in reverse? When Catherine Downey thought she had been contacted by her bank, there was no way she could check if the call was genuine. Follow the advice of most banks and financial institutions, who advise they will never phone or email you and ask for your bank details.

BOB CArr, Gosport, Hants.