Poole Pensioners Scammed Out of Thousands in Shocking Bank Phone Frauds
Dorset Police are warning the public after two elderly men in Poole fell victim to convincing phone scams posing as bank calls. The crooks persuaded both victims to transfer large sums of money to London addresses, but quick police action saved the day – and the cash.
£2,500 Nearly Lost to Fake Bank Call
On Wednesday, May 25, 2022, an octogenarian received a call from someone pretending to be his bank. They told him to move £2,500 to a different account. The man, convinced by the caller’s detailed knowledge, complied – but later realised he’d been duped.
“I answered the phone, and because they were so specific about my account, I assumed it had to be the bank,” the victim said. “For some reason, I just went ahead and did it.”
“After a while – around 1 a.m. the next morning – I realised something was wrong. I called the cops, who said they would look into it right away.”
Thanks to a swift police intervention, the £2,500 delivery was intercepted and the funds returned. The victim has since spoken out to warn others and encourage anyone targeted to contact police immediately.
Another Pensioner Loses £4,350 but Police Act Fast
Just weeks later, on June 8, another elderly man in Poole was scammed into sending a whopping £4,350 to fraudsters in London. Again, Dorset Police managed to recover the money and get it back to the rightful owner.
Police Issue Urgent Warning: Don’t Fall for the Scam
“I’d like to urge people to be incredibly cautious,” said Detective Sergeant Jane Millard of Dorset Police’s Fraud Triage Team. “Your bank will never ask you to withdraw large sums and post them to an address.”
“If you get calls from anyone claiming to be your bank, ask for their details and call back through an official number or visit your local branch in person.”
The police are conducting a full investigation and are reminding families to warn elderly relatives about these ruthless con tricks.
Victims’ Advice: Stay Alert, Report Immediately
The first victim shared his tips for anyone facing a similar call:
- Challenge the caller and verify their identity.
- Ask for a callback number from the bank, then check independently.
- Report suspicious calls to the police right away.
“I felt stupid at first, but they were so convincing,” he admitted. “I’m just curious how they got my information.”
Don’t let the scammers win – stay vigilant and spread the word.
