Beware of Latest Phone Scam. Take 5 to STOP Fraud
THE CLAIM
Criminals impersonate the police, and often state there are corrupt staff at your bank, or criminals have cloned your bank cards and request your assistance with the investigation.
THE SCAM
They instruct you to provide your bank cards and PINs, or withdraw money, purchase high value goods (like watches) or vouchers and hand these over to a courier or ‘undercover officer’ as evidence. The ‘undercover officer’ is a criminal or the courier delivers your cash, cards and purchased items to the criminals.
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
– If you receive a call like this, hang up. ‘Take 5’ and verify via a trusted method (like 101), not via numbers given in the call.
– The police will NEVER ask you to participate in an undercover investigation.
– The police will NEVER ask you to transfer or withdraw money or buy items on their behalf for evidence.
– The police will NEVER attend your home to collect your cash, bank cards or ask for your PIN.
– Speak to friends or family if you are unsure. A genuine officer won’t mind you seeking advice or double checking.
– NEVER share your PIN with anyone. Not even by tapping it into a keypad on your phone.