Bank staff save Church Stretton woman from bogus callers
Bank staff prevented an elderly woman in Shropshire falling victim to bogus callers after becoming suspicious when she wanted to withdraw hundreds of pounds from her account. Bank staff prevented an elderly woman in Shropshire falling victim to bogus callers after becoming suspicious when she wanted to withdraw hundreds of pounds from her account. Staff at the Lloyds TSB branch in Church Stretton alerted police when the 78-year-old customer came into the bank asking for the cash to pay two men for doing gardening work at her home. Police said today the men had initially charged the woman £450 for hedge cutting yesterday but the bill soared to £750 when the pair claimed they had done other work a year ago.
Bank staff prevented an elderly woman in Shropshire falling victim to bogus callers after becoming suspicious when she wanted to withdraw hundreds of pounds from her account.
Staff at the Lloyds TSB branch in Church Stretton alerted police when the 78-year-old customer came into the bank asking for the cash to pay two men for doing gardening work at her home.
Police said today the men had initially charged the woman £450 for hedge cutting yesterday but the bill soared to £750 when the pair claimed they had done other work a year ago.
Detective Inspector Sarah Wagstaff, of West Mercia Police, said: "Their suspicions were raised because the lady seemed confused and anxious.
"They asked her a few questions and she said two men were waiting down the road to be paid for cutting some hedges. They initially wanted £450 but then increased it to £750, saying they had done some other work a year ago."
DI Wagstaff praised the bank staff and said: "The bank obviously knew the lady and sensed she may be acting under duress."
