Buntingford residents praised after refusing to part with bank details for phone scam

Buntingford residents have been praised for refusing to part with their bank details after receiving calls from bogus police officers running a phone scam.

Four people in the town were targeted on Thursday, February 27.

The widespread scam, which is affecting both Hertfordshire and the country, involves the offenders calling people, mainly aged 60 and over, pretending to be a police officer.

They claim they are investigating a fraud or theft from their bank account and request the resident’s bank details, including pin numbers. The resident is then asked to hand over their cards to a ‘courier’ who is sent to collect them. In some cases the resident is asked to withdraw a large amount of cash which is collected.

As reported on www.roystoncrow24.co.uk last week, a Cambridgeshire resident was tricked out of £8,000 by the con-men.

Detective Inspector Jason Keane, from Hertfordshire Police said: “These residents did exactly the right thing. They suspected the callers were suspicious, refused to hand over their bank details and called police. I would urge anyone faced with a similar call to do the same.

“I’d reassure people that a police officer would not ask you to reveal your personal bank account details, including your PIN or bank card.

“Offenders appear to be deliberately targeting older people and we would urge people to share this information and advice with their elderly relatives or neighbours so they are aware.”

Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of the scam, or who has useful information, should contact police on 101.