Phone Credit Card Fraud Warning from the POlice

[the-e-dealer]

A friend of Mine - Not elderly got caught by this!

Met Police logo

Dear all,

A particular type of fraud targeting elderly people is on the increase across London. Our aim is to raise awareness and provide some key crime prevention messages to the elderly and their circle of support - friends, family, neighbours etc.

By raising awareness we will decrease the likelihood of people falling victim.

The average age of the victim is 70 years old. The average loss is ?4,000.

The Method

1) The method varies but essentially involves a victim being telephoned (cold -called) by a suspect who alleges to be someone of authority (eg, from the police, bank, Serious Fraud Office). The suspect tells the victim there is a problem with their bank account (like it has been compromised) and that their bank card must be collected.

2) If the victim is unconvinced that the call is genuine they are instructed to hang up and call a genuine number ? such as 999 or the telephone number on the rear of their bank card. However, the suspect keeps the telephone line open and so the call goes straight back to the fraudster who then deals with any subsequent call, convincing the victim of their authenticity.

3) The victim is then content to reveal their bank details, namely the PIN.

4) An often unwitting courier or taxi driver is sent to collect the victim?s card. The card is delivered to a second suspect, who then passes it on to the fraudster. The fraudster then empties the bank account.

Key Messages

Primary: (To potential victims, family, friends) Never give anyone your PIN or bank card ? the police and banks will never ask for them.

Secondary/supporting message(s): (To cabbies/couriers) Beware of collecting and delivering packages from elderly people as you may be assisting in a criminal offence.

Reporting offences: If you have been a victim call the police on 101 or in an emergency by dialling 999. (Generally victims are elderly/vulnerable and therefore it is NOT appropriate to report this matter to Action Fraud).

A courier fraud awareness day is being held on Wednesday 20th March.

If you are part of a neighbourhood watch group please consider meeting on 20th March (or any time that week) in order to focus on this issue and give out the above messages.

The Metropolitan Police has produced a crime prevention poster which is currently being distributed throughout London. Please see attachment.

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This email has been sent because [email protected] has been registered for the Metropolitan Police Neighbourhood Link service.

[StraferJack]

"2) If the victim is unconvinced that the call is genuine they are instructed to hang up and call a genuine number ? such as 999 or the telephone number on the rear of their bank card. However, the suspect keeps the telephone line open and so the call goes straight back to the fraudster who then deals with any subsequent call, convincing the victim of their authenticity. "

how do they "keep the line open"? If they don't hang up, but you do and when you dial a number it goes back to them? That sounds odd doesn't it?

[the-e-dealer]

No its always been like that on land lines.

[DulwichFox]

On a Telephone Call.. the 'Caller' controls the call.

The 'Clear Down' Sequence is controlled by the 'Caller'

If the 'Called Party' clears down the call will not close.

There is a 'Time Out' period. Then a 'Forced Release' will take place I believe this to be 6 Minutes but may of changed.

Foxy. Ex Telecoms Engineer.

[StraferJack]

Well, there?s a thing I did not know

[the-e-dealer]

Never had someone 'go quiet' on the other end of the line and realise after a few minutes they have put the phone down? E-DEALER POTS Phone user.

[Dave C. Waddell]

Hi,

I think this kind of matters should be treated as the most serious type of economic and financial crime. The criminal defense must not be let excused by any court of law. The awareness is essential but the law must also be tightened to deal with this type of crime, where a convict is harassing an elderly person who is not so much aware of this all new type of crime and can easily provide their private information.

Take care & goodbye