Bank Card Deception

8 June 2012, 09:52 | Updated: 8 June 2012, 10:58

Police looking into how a woman in her 80s from Borehamwood was deceived into handing over her bank card and PIN have released pictures of two men they want to trace.

Thieves subsequently took eight thousand pounds' worth of savings out of the 83 year old's account.

The offence began at 6pm on Wednesday 16 May 2012, when the victim received a call from someone purporting to be from the fraud department at Barclays Bank.

The caller claimed that two fraudulent transactions had taken place on her account and during two subsequent calls managed to obtain the woman’s personal details.

He arranged for someone to visit her home for the fabricated reason that her cards needed to be collected so they could be destroyed.

The caller obtained the woman’s PIN by asking her to type it into her telephone’s keypad.

Throughout the course of the evening the card has then been used to withdraw money at cash points or to make high-value purchases in shops.

DC Sarah Gilbertson, who is investigating, said: “This was a sickening crime that preyed on a vulnerable and elderly woman.

“We need to get in touch with these men pictured as we believe they have information that could be vital to our investigation. If you recognise them, please contact the police.

“It’s also worth reminding residents that your bank will never call you asking you to reveal your PIN, no matter what has happened.

“If there is any doubt at all about a request for information, contact your bank using a number found on your bank or credit card statement as soon as possible.”

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Hertfordshire's police on the non-emergency number 101 quoting crime reference J1/12/1692. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers, the independent charity, anonymously on 0800 555 111.