Rye Couple Scammed Out of £13,000 by Fake Police Fraud Call
An elderly couple in Rye have been duped of £13,000 after a con artist posing as a Metropolitan Police fraud officer tricked them into withdrawing cash. The scam unfolded over six days starting on 25 June, with the fraudster convincing them twice to visit their bank and pull out huge sums.
How the Scam Worked
The bogus caller claimed there was a fraud investigation at the couple’s bank HQ in London. He told them the cash withdrawals were necessary for the probe. Each time they withdrew the money, one member of the couple had to hand it over to a mysterious person driving a van near their home.
The scam only stopped when family members overheard suspicious phone calls during a visit, alerting the couple to the fraud.
Police Issue Urgent Warnings
“Remember – no police officer, or bank staff on the phone, will ever ask for your bank details or for cash,” said Detective Constable Sam Collyer.
Police urge everyone to:
- Be cautious with unsolicited calls
- Never transfer money into new accounts on unexpected instructions
- Check your phone line disconnects properly before making another call
- Never share or enter your PIN over the phone
- Never hand over cash or bank cards to couriers or anyone claiming to be police
How Banks and Police Are Fighting Back
Thanks to an agreement between Sussex Police and banks, suspicious cash withdrawal attempts are being stopped. In June alone, alert bank staff foiled 38 scams in Sussex, preventing losses totalling £144,000.
For more fraud prevention tips and support, visit the Sussex Police website.
