Elderly Blackburn woman conned out of 'significant amount of money' in courier fraud scam
An elderly Blackburn woman was tricked into handing over her bank card and PIN to a fraudster posing as a bank worker.
Police said the victim received a phone call from someone claiming there was a problem with her new bank card.
They said that a “representative” would visit her home to collect the card and PIN so the issue could be resolved.
Later the same day, her genuine bank contacted her to report that her card had been used to make a series of fraudulent transactions involving a significant amount of money.
An investigation is now under way to identify those responsible.
A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “Courier fraudsters often prey on some of the most vulnerable in our community and it can be confusing and scary to hear from them.
“We’re asking you to be vigilant and help protect yourself and those around you from it.”
Officers shared key advice to help prevent further victims:
- Police or banks will never ask for PIN numbers, passwords, or for you to withdraw or transfer money.
- They will never send anyone to your home to collect bank cards, cash or personal information.
- If someone arrives at your door claiming to be from a bank or the police, call 999 immediately.
- If you receive unexpected deliveries or parcels and someone you don’t know attempts to collect them, do not hand anything over.
- Never transfer money or follow financial instructions given by someone over the phone. Tell your bank if anyone pressures you.
Always verify who you are speaking to by ending the call, waiting two minutes, and calling back on a different phone or trusted number.
Police are urging anyone who thinks they may have been targeted, or who is worried about someone else, to report it.
You can contact police on 101 or call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. If a crime is in progress, always call 999.