By Press Release
Police are urging Island residents to be vigilant, following reports of courier fraud on the Island.
The crimes commonly involve an unsolicited call from someone pretending to be a police officer, a staff member from a bank or an internet or phone provider. They tell the victim that their account has been subject to fraudulent activity, or is in danger of being closed and then request help with the ongoing investigation. They ask for details about their finances or bank cards, may send them to their bank to withdraw money, ask them to buy high value goods, or try to get access to the victim’s computer or phone by downloading an app.
In early August a man in his 80s, from Ventnor, was contacted by someone claiming to be from his bank. He was persuaded to provide details that enabled someone to order £2,500 worth of Apple products, which were delivered to his address. He was told not to open the goods, as a ‘courier’ had been arranged to collect them. Fortunately, a family member recognised the fraud and the police were called.
A few days earlier a Bembridge woman, in her 80s, was contacted by people claiming to be police officers from Hammersmith Police Station in London. They claimed a family member had been arrested and asked the woman to pay ‘bail’ for the individual. The people on the phone tried to obtain sensitive and personal information from her.
In mid-July a woman from Ryde, also in her 80s, received a phone call from someone claiming to be from the fraud department of her bank. During the call, she was convinced that she needed to attend her bank and withdraw a large quantity of cash, or face losing the money as her account had been ‘compromised’. Although she attended the bank to withdraw the money, questions asked by the genuine bank staff led to any loss being prevented.
Officers have launched investigations into the incidents and enquiries are ongoing.
Temporary Detective Sergeant, Mark Leonard, said: “We know that offences of this nature can have a significant impact on victims, both financially and emotionally, as they come to terms with financial losses after falling victim to a scam.
“If anyone receives a call of this nature, they should not engage with the caller and hang up.
“We are wholly committed to bringing an end to offences of this nature and will take steps to identify and bring those individuals responsible to justice.”
Please remember that:
Police officers, banks and other legitimate organisations will never call people and ask you to withdraw money or disclose personal or financial information. If someone does this, hang up – it will be a scam.
If someone calls claiming to be a police officer, ask for their ID number and police force. Wait at least five minutes before calling back. A genuine police officer will not mind waiting while you check.
Never hand money or your bank card/pin to someone at the door to be sent off elsewhere.
If you are a friend, relative or carer of someone you think might be vulnerable to a scam, speak to them about this advice. You might be the only person who can stop them from being scammed.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, report it to the police by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, dial 999.
You can learn more about these scams and how to protect yourself by visiting actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.