Residents are being warned about unexpected phone calls from criminals claiming to be from the police or the bank, in support of the Metropolitan Police’s campaign - Operation Callback.
This warning follows a recent report where a resident received a call from someone pretending to be their bank. With courier fraud becoming increasingly sophisticated, the Operation Callback campaign aims to raise awareness of courier fraud to prevent offences.
In the reported incident, the caller offered a replacement bank card and persuaded the resident to have an “insurance valuation” on their jewellery. Shortly after, a courier arrived at the resident’s home - which the fraudsters already knew - to carry out the so-called appraisal.
The resident handed over their genuine bank card in exchange for a fake card and had also given up jewellery. The criminals then withdrew £1000 using the stolen card - when the resident questioned this, the fraudsters hung up.
Protect yourself
If you receive an unexpected phone call from one of these fraudsters, the Trading Standards advice is to hang up immediately. Don't give the fraudster a chance to persuade you that your money is at risk; they can be very convincing. Even if they have certain information, be careful not to assume this is genuine.
Call your bank on 159 to check your account is secure, leave it a good while or use a different phone. Fraudsters can trick people into thinking they are speaking to the bank, but in reality, the fraudster is still on the line. Keep in mind that your bank or the police will never ask you to verify your personal details nor ask you to withdraw money or make purchases.
Also, be sure to never hand over your bank cards or valuables. If your card is cancelled, destroy it yourself.
More information on courier fraud is available on the Action Fraud website and the Take Five to Stop Fraud website.
Stay informed
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 on 0808 223 1133 or on the Citizens Advice website.
If you have been tricked into sending money by bank payment, check out the Toolkit and UK Finance Authorised Push Payment Fraud guidance for more information on recovering lost money.
Contact Metropolitan Police online, on 101, or in an emergency 999.
Find out more about courier fraud on the Metropolitan Police website.
For general information about scams in various languages visit the Friends Against Scams website.
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.