Surrey elderly warned after increase in scams (From Surrey Comet)

Surrey elderly warned after increase in scams

1:19pm Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Epsom By Lauren May

Elderly residents have been warned to stay vigilant after an increase in fraud offences.

Fraudsters have been running a scam targeting elderly and vulnerable residents across Surrey obtaining their bank details by calling and claiming to be from their bank.

In previous cases the caller has told the victim there is a problem with their bank card and it will need replacing, also asking for their bank details, PIN number and balance, and that a courier will be round to pick up the faulty card and replace it with a new one.

A person dressed as a courier will then arrive at their front door to take the card.

Significant sums of cash have already been stolen from victims’ accounts across the county.

Another tactic has been to leave a "we have missed you" notice claiming to be from the bank asking the victim to ring the number.

Detective Inspector Paul Rymarz of the Cross Border Investigation Team said: "We have seen a rise in the number of fraud incidents committed in the last few months.

"It is important that people are aware of the scam, which targets the most vulnerable.

"Banks do not use courier services to deliver or pick up bank cards, and you should never give your PIN number to anybody.

"If you are unsure a caller is genuine, do not give them any information and say that you will call back the bank on a number you recognise, for example on the back of your bank card.

"We are working closely with our partners to catch the criminals, and bring them to justice."

If you suspect anything call Surrey Police on 101.