Phone scam Police warn public not to be taken in by ‘Scotland Yard’ callers
AMAN handed conmen a large amount of cash after being tricked into thinking they were police officers.
The villager from Churchdown, near Gloucester, fell victim to the widespread ‘Scotland Yard’ phone scam earlier this month, prompting a fresh warning from police.
A message shared by Gloucestershire Police said the man was “conned out of a significant amount of money”.
He was phoned by a man claiming to be a police officer from Scotland Yard, who reportedly introduced himself as “Detective Sergeant Hancock”.
Bob Lloyd, a neighbourhood watch officer, shared a community alert to warn others about the “common” scam.
He said: “He was requested to withdraw a large sum from his bank account and to say it was to purchase a car if the bank asked any questions.
“Once he had the cash he was advised by the scammer that the money needed to be collected for the police investigation.”
The con was completed on the evening of Monday, May 10, when two men came to collect the money.
Mr Lloyd added: “They arrived at the house in a dark coloured saloon car and collected the cash. It is unlikely the victim will see the cash again.”
He said the scam was “now very common”, with other forces also aware.
The message continued: “Please remember that neither the police nor your bank will contact you in this way and ask you to withdraw money from your account or ask for details such as card PIN numbers. Do not hand over any cash.
“Although this particular incident took place in Churchdown, these scammers are likely to operate anywhere in our county.”
Older people and more vulnerable people in particular, especially those who live alone, are often targeted.
Anyone worried they have been called by a scammer should hang up and wait at least five minutes before making another call, to ensure they are no longer on the line.
Reports can be made online via the force’s fraud page at www.gloucestershire.police.uk/ro/report/fo/fraud/. Details about how to avoid fraud are available on the Action Fraud website at www.actionfraud.police.uk/
Neither the police nor your bank will contact you ... and ask you to withdraw money Neighbourhood watch officer Bob Lloyd