Following reports of residents being defrauded, Bromley trading standards is warning about unexpected telephone calls where the caller, falsely, claims to be from the police or your bank.

The fraudster says that they are investigating use of your card or are issuing a new one. They may ask you to hang up and call 999 or a number for your bank. This is supposed to reassure residents that they are who they say they are, but the fraudsters do not disconnect the call.

Someone is then sent to collect your bank cards and will quickly use them to purchase goods or withdraw cash. More information about courier fraud.

If you receive a similar call:

  • Hang up immediately – before the fraudster can persuade you that your money is at risk.
  • Leave it a good while or prefer to use a different phone to call your bank on 159 to check your account is secure.
  • Report the incident to Action Fraud.

Please share: tell a neighbour, a relative, a friend, customer or client about this scam. You could prevent them being defrauded too.

Report and assistance

Protect yourself and others by reporting incidents.

Call 159 to speak directly to your bank – 159 Stop Scams UK.

Report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or on the Action Fraud website.

Contact Citizens Advice for help and advice about scams.

Bromley trading standards

To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley trading standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm.

Bromley trading standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.

Published: 15th November 2023