POLICE are continuing to warn the public about phone scams after a fraudster tricked an elderly couple into handing over a substantial amount of cash, bank cards and other valuable items.

The Swanage couple received a phone call from the offender pretending to be a police officer at around 10pm on Monday, March 30, as part of a new method of operation to defraud and steal from victims.

The offender told the couple their account had been subject to fraudulent activity and instructed them to call their bank. They did so, not knowing that the line had been held up by the offender.

The man who answered said their bank cards needed to be collected by a member of the National Fraud Department Rapid Response Team, and gave them a password to reassure them the person attending was from that team.

A man, described as black, around 30-years-old with short dark hair and wearing heavy set glasses, dark trousers and a dark leather jacket, arrived at the couple’s home in the Queens Road area. He left with a large sum of cash and bank cards.

A short time later, the victims received a further phone call stating that police needed to photograph their jewellery and that it couldn’t wait until morning. The same courier returned and collected it. Many other items of sentimental and financial value were taken and not returned, including a watch belonging to their late son.

Detective Constable James Batty, of Weymouth CID, said: “This was a particularly ruthless offence, in which the victims suffered great financial and sentimental loss.

“I would like to hear from any members of the public who may have seen a man, matching the description above, acting suspiciously in this area between 11pm on Monday, March 30 and 1.30am on Tuesday 31.

“As in previous similar cases, the offenders are highly convincing and often change their tactics to get people to hand over large sums of money, bank cards and valuable items.

“I would like to urge the public, if they haven’t done so already, to read through our advisory guidelines and ensure that elderly and vulnerable family and friends are aware,” he added.

Anyone who receives a call like this is urged to dismiss it and report it straight to police by calling 101.

Advisory Guidelines

  • Do not reveal your bank details including PIN to anyone – banks will already have these details and will never ask for your card back.
  • If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from your bank, do not give them any details, hang up and call your bank on their  regular contact telephone number and the police –  wait at least 2 minutes after hanging up  to make the calls to ensure that the line is clear or use a different telephone.
  • Do not give your bank cards or any valuable items to strangers whatever reason they may give you to part with them.
  • Do not allow any unknown or unexpected callers inside your home. If you are suspicious, call 999 immediately.
  • Do not hand over any cash to people unknown to you.