Phone scammers hit pensioners for thousands posing as police officers
Neighbours and family are warned to stay alert as ruthless crooks target elderly victims by phone, tricking them into handing over huge sums of cash.
Fake cops demand £5,000 cash
On Friday 28 February 2022, a man in his late 60s received a chilling call from a fraudster claiming to be a Met Police officer. The caller said there had been suspicious activity on his bank account and told him he must withdraw £5,000 and hand the cash to a “colleague” as part of the so-called investigation.
Later that day, a woman showed up at the victim’s home to collect the cash. The victim had actually been talking to two imposters who said they were from Charing Cross police station.
Similar scam fools couple out of £4,250
Just a week earlier, on 21 February, a woman in her 70s was targeted with a similar swindle. Fraudsters claimed to be from Hammersmith police station, followed up with calls made to her and her husband from fake Scotland Yard officers and a pretend bank worker.
Tricked into withdrawing £4,250, the couple handed over the cash to a female courier who turned up at their door.
Met Police issue urgent scam warning
“A police force will never ask a member of the public for their bank details, or money, over the phone,” said Detective Inspector Dave Higham.
“If you receive one of these calls, end it immediately and wait at least five minutes before using your phone again to clear the line from scammers.”
“Sadly, the most vulnerable – elderly people and those with learning difficulties – are often targeted. Friends, family and neighbours must stay vigilant to protect loved ones from these brutal scams.”
