Lancashire Police launch investigation after Nelson man conned out of £10,000 by organised crime gang
Lancashire Police have launched an investigation after a man in his 80s from Nelson was conned out of £10,000 by an organised crime group falsely claiming to be police officers and bank staff.
Police were contacted by the man on Friday lunch-time at 12.24pm, to say he believed he may have been the victim of a scam.
He told officers that at around 12.30pm last Wednesday ( January 21) he received a call from a private number with the man on the other end of the phone claiming to be an undercover police officer called Sgt Martin Spencer. This individual told the victim that his bank account had been compromised and that he twice needed to withdraw £5,000, which the victim did on two separate visits to the Post Office on that day and the next. An unknown man then attended the victim’s property on Thursday to collect the cash.
Police attended the victim’s property shortly after he contacted them, and members of the OCG continued to call his landline from a withheld number, even while officers were present. Safeguarding measures have been put in place around the victim, and while no arrest has been made, a dedicated team of officers are working to identify and detain the offenders.
Lancashire Police have said they wish to take this opportunity to remind the public what courier fraud is, and how to prevent yourself from falling victim to it.
A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “A lot of those most vulnerable to courier fraud may not see this, so please tell your loved ones and neighbours about it, and how they can protect themselves.”
Guidelines include:
• The police or your bank will NEVER ask you to provide your PIN or passwords over the phone, withdraw or transfer money or buy items to ‘aid an investigation.’ Police officers or bank staff will not contact you and ask you to participate in covert fraud investigations.
• Do not hand over any item (including cash or bank cards) or information to anyone that attends your address – police and banking staff would never take bank cards or cash from you – contact the police on 999 in the event that someone comes to the property purporting to be sent from the police or the bank.
• If you receive an unexpected delivery or an item is sent to your address that you have not ordered, and you are contacted by a stranger to arrange collection, do not hand over the item and contact the police.
• Do not agree to go into the bank, or use online banking to transfer or withdraw funds at the request of another – notify the cashier if any requests have been made of you by a third party (scammers will often tell a victim that the investigation is covert and not to disclose information)
• Make sure you verify who you are talking to and do not reveal any personal details. Clear the line, and phone on the police on 101 from a different phone, or wait at least two minutes to contact them, or a trusted person.
• If you have been a victim of fraud, contact your bank on their genuine number to secure your finances. If you have any concerns about someone claiming to be a police officer, ask them for their name and identification and check with the genuine police by calling 999.
The spokesman added: “If you, or someone you know may be a victim of fraud, please let us know, even if you are not sure. 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.”
You can make a report on 101 or contact Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.