Shropshire Star

Warning after Ludlow victim hands money over to 'police' conmen

Efforts to tackle telephone con artists have been stepped up in south Shropshire after a victim handed over money to a stranger.

Published
Last updated

Some Ludlow residents have been targeted by people impersonating police officers.

The town's policing safer neighbourhood team said that in recent weeks residents have fallen victim to various scams, including receiving phone calls from someone claiming to be from a police force. Callers claim to be from Greater Manchester Police, the Metropolitan Police, West Mercia Police or even MI6.

Officers based in the area are hosting a presentation on the issue on October 2 at Hagley Place Care Home, in Foldgate Lane, Ludlow, at 10.30am.

The team said callers tell the victim that their bank cards have been used fraudulently and will attempt to use a number of methods to defraud them including asking victims to call their bank to cancel their card, ask them to 'hold the line', or ask them hand over their bank details, including their PIN.

On other occasions, rather than sending a courier, they have asked victims to transfer money to a secure police account, asking them to call back to verify that they are genuine, while still holding the line. Sometimes victims are told to go to the bank to transfer money, but are falsely advised that the bank employees are involved in a 'scam', so not to mention it.

To tackle the crooks the team is rolling out the Friends Against Scams initiative to inform residents what they need to do to protect themselves against potential conmen.

Police officers and banks would never come to your house to collect your cards or property; and never ask you to transfer money to a secure account and in event of receiving such a phone call residents should hang up and phone 101 to report it.

Those with elderly friends or relatives who may be vulnerable are also being urged to please talk to them about the pitfalls. All are welcome to attend the presentation.