Police warning after Altrincham woman targeted in phone scam
The victim very nearly handed over the contents of her bank account.
People across Greater Manchester are being urged to be on their guard against scammers after an Altrincham woman was almost conned into withdrawing thousands from her bank account.
The victim, from Timperley, was targeted on the phone by a person posing as a police officer earlier this month.
The fraudster told her that they had arrested someone for trying to hack into her account and then asked the woman to confirm how much money she had.
The woman was then told to go to a bank and withdraw the cash - but on arrival at the bank the victim realised what had happened and alerted the police.
Police are appealing for anyone who may have had a similar experience to make a report.
Police Constable John McGrath, from GMP’s Trafford borough, said: “It is concerning that someone is pretending to be an officer to exploit innocent people and take their money.
“Police would never ask for detailed account information over the phone or ask you to withdraw money.
“If you suspect a suspicious call take down all the details of the caller and then contact your bank to inform them as well as police.
“We believe other people may have experienced a similar bogus call in the area and would ask that anyone who has, reports this to police at the earliest possible opportunity.
A report can be made by calling 101 or anonymously through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.