Warning After Elderly Woman Targeted in Hove Shopping Scam
Police have issued a stark warning after an 80-something woman in Hove was hit by a brazen shopping scam. The fraudster posed as an NHS worker, calling her three times over ten days, offering to do her shopping.
When the scammer asked to collect her bank cards to pick up her pension, the woman saw through the trick and refused. Luckily, no money was stolen.
Scammers Exploit Covid-19 Crisis to Target Vulnerable
PC Bernadette Lawrie, the Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer for Sussex and Surrey Police, slammed the scammers: “It’s incredibly disappointing to see criminals exploiting the Covid-19 outbreak to defraud innocent, vulnerable people.”
She urged everyone to stay alert and share scam advice with family and friends to stop more victims falling prey.
Top Safety Tips When Letting Others Shop for You
- Never trust cold callers – always verify their identity and organisation first.
- Set a clear spending limit upfront.
- Ask for receipts before paying anyone on your behalf.
- Never hand over your bank cards or PIN details to strangers.
- If you need help, visit 123 or call 101. In emergencies, dial 999.
