Norfolk residents urged to be vigilant after £50,000 stolen through telephone scams
There has been a number of reports of fraudsters calling residents claiming to be police recently
Residents in Norfolk are being urged to be vigilant following a number of telephone scams across the county.
A woman in her 70s from the Wymondham area was conned out of £30,000 on Monday 8 February after being coerced into believing she was part of an undercover police operation.
The following day, a man in his 20s from the Norwich area was contacted by a fraudster who had cloned Norfolk Police's number, who then stole £20,000.
According to Norfolk Police, they've received 15 other reports of people being contacted by fraudsters claiming to be officers in the last two weeks.
The force is reminding residents that police officer or banks will never ask to withdraw or transfer money or purchase items.
They will also never ask people to handover money as part of an operation, nor will they send someone to collect money, cards or PIN numbers, or ask residents to deliver them.
Norfolk Police is advising people to take the following steps if they are approached:
- STOP – take a moment to think before parting with your money or information.
- CHALLENGE – Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests, only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
- PROTECT – Contact your bank immediately if you think you have fallen victim to a scam. Report it.
The force says requests can be confirmed as genuine by using a known number or email address to contact organisations directly, and asking for ID from individuals who have contacted you.
If residents are asked to contact a bank, they are advised to do it on a different phone to the one they were contacted on.
Norfolk Police is asking people to contact family and friends, particularly elderly relatives, to ensure they are away of the scams and advice.
Anyone who receives a similar type of telephone call is asked to contact Norfolk Police on 101 quoting Operation Radium.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.