Bank workers foil £4,000 phone scam against pensioner (82)

POLICE are urging people to watch out for financial scams after bank workers foiled an attempt to con a New Milton pensioner out of £4,000.

On Monday officers received a report that the 82-year-old woman had received a telephone call from someone claiming to be from the “Visa fraud department”.

Informing the victim there had been fraudulent activity on her bank account, the caller asked her to go to her bank and transfer £4,000 of her savings into another account for safeguarding.

However, when she went to her bank, staff suspected the Visa fraud department was a scam and alerted police before any money was lost.

This latest incident has prompted Hampshire police to remind the public that banks will never contact customers in this way.

A force spokesperson said: “If you do get a call from someone who claims you need to withdraw money from a bank, hang up and report it, using a different phone line.

“Make a note of the date and time of the call, and the number, if available – this information could help any future investigation.

“Never reveal your bank details or give personal information to people who cold call.”

Those who know someone who could be taken in by such a scam are also being urged to speak to them and pass on the advice.

Further details of this type of scam and how to avoid being a victim is available at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Victims or those who know someone who has been targeted should report it to police by calling 101.