Detectives have issued a warning after three people in their 80s were targeted by fraudsters in the last week.
The offences, which are commonly known as courier fraud, were committed between 11 December and yesterday (Sunday 17 December) in the Quorn, Oadby and Castle Donington areas.
All three victims were contacted by individuals on the telephone claiming they were from the fraud department of a bank or police force.
The perpetrator claimed the victim’s bank cards had been compromised and unauthorised transactions had occurred.
They told the victims that they would need to seize their bank cards including PIN numbers, mobiles and laptops or iPads in order to investigate the incidents further.
Within a short time, a person attended the victim’s home address and collected the cards and devices.
Enquiries are ongoing but at this stage its believed the victims may have lost more than £15,000 between them, after the bank cards were used to purchase items.
Nicole McIntyre from the force’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “In all three cases the victims were elderly and vulnerable – the caller seemed plausible and made the victims believe they had been victims of fraud. During all the calls the victims were kept on the line for some time.
“The collection of electronic devices is something that we haven’t seen before during these types of offences, and we would urge people to be vigilant and to never share their personal details over the phone with anyone claiming they are calling from their bank or any other financial organisation.
“Banks would never ask for your PIN number or personal details over the telephone and they certainly wouldn’t seize your devices.
“If you are contacted in a similar way do not disclose any information and contact your bank directly using an official number and if possible, from another phone. Never agree to hand any devices over and do not disclose any personal details.
“We would also ask that anyone who has an elderly neighbour or relative passes this information on so we can ensure the warning reaches those who are more likely to be targeted.”
If anyone has any information about these incidents, they are advised to contact 101 or via www.leics.police.uk and report their concerns.
For further information about these types of offences visit www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/courier-fraud
