Scam Alert on Isle of Wight as OAPs Targeted by Callers
Police are warning Isle of Wight residents after a spate of telephone scams hit elderly residents. Two troubling cases have emerged this week involving calls demanding unusual payments.
OAPs Pressured to Buy Vouchers to Pay Fake Debts
An 80-year-old woman and a 67-year-old man, both from Newport, were separately contacted by scam callers claiming they owed back taxes. The fraudsters pressured them to buy iTunes vouchers and send over the serial numbers to “clear” the debt.
Meanwhile, a 76-year-old man in Ryde was warned to send money to Kenya and Macedonia via Western Union. The caller also forced him to buy Steam vouchers from game stores, again demanding voucher serial numbers.
Police Team Up to Crack Down on Call Scams
Investigations are underway with Isle of Wight Trading Standards and Action Fraud. Inspector Adam Henderson-Parish said, “I want to stop anyone else falling victim to these phone scams. Legitimate callers won’t demand cash immediately or pressure you to use vouchers or Western Union.”
He added, “Never share passwords or bank details over the phone. If you’re unsure, just hang up and end the call.”
Top Tips to Avoid Becoming a Victim
- Never give personal or bank details to unexpected callers.
- Never disclose your PIN.
- If you’ve shared sensitive info, contact your bank immediately to freeze cards.
- Don’t hand over money, cards, or valuables to someone at the door to send elsewhere.
- If a suspicious call asks for money, report it to police on 101 immediately.
Inspector Henderson-Parish urged people to share this advice with elderly relatives and neighbours. Anyone with info or who receives a scam call should call 101 and quote Operation Signature. If a crime is happening now, dial 999.
