Scotland Yard Scam Alert: Crooks are cold-calling elderly Brits, pretending to be police officers from Scotland Yard, warning them their bank accounts are under threat from fraud.
Fake Police Calls Targeting the Elderly
These bogus callers tell victims to withdraw cash, which is then picked up by fake couriers. The scam is slick and can wipe out life savings.
The official advice? Your bank or the police will NEVER phone to ask you to withdraw money, verify personal details, or hand over your card to a courier.
How To Stay Safe From This Scam
- Hang up immediately if you get a call like this.
- If you want to check, wait five minutes before calling your bank – fraudsters often stay on the line after you hang up.
- Better yet, use a completely different phone line to ring your bank.
- Your debit or credit card is yours alone – never give it to a stranger.
- If your card is cancelled, destroy it yourself; don’t rely on a courier or stranger to do it.
Watch Out For These Red Flags
- Caller claims to be from your bank or local police and warns about fraud.
- They ask you to withdraw money or give personal info, like your PIN.
- They offer to call you back—but when you try, there’s no dial tone.
- They try to send someone to collect your card to “save you the trip.”
How The Scam Works
The fraudster calls, claiming your card’s been compromised or is expiring. They tell you to hang up and redial your bank or police – but they keep the call line open so you’re still talking to them.
They’ll then pressure you to reveal your PIN and other bank details. Next, a courier turns up to collect your card. With your PIN and card, they drain your account and can even commit identity fraud in your name.
What To Do If You’ve Been Targeted
Report the scam online or call 0300 123 2040. If you’ve handed over bank details or your card, contact your bank immediately to cancel it.
