Warning Over Hertfordshire Phone Scam

9 November 2011, 11:58 | Updated: 9 November 2011, 12:06

Police are warning Hertfordshire residents to be on the alert after a number of people were telephoned by someone claiming to be bank staff or a police officer, asking for their bank details

On dates between July this year and November this year, there have been three instances where victims have lost money. A further seven incidents have been reported to police where no money was lost.

The victims include a 96 year old lady from Stevenage, a 76 year old man from Hertford and a 74 year old man from Watford.

Detective Sergeant Joseph Quinlivan from the Economic Crime Unit said: “All of these people did the right thing by calling police.

“We would always advise the public to follow this common sense advice:

1) Do not give any personal information (name, address, bank details, email or phone number) to organisations or people before verifying their credentials.

2) If you receive an email from an organisation you do not know, delete it and do not reply. For more on-line security visit www.getsafeonline.org.uk.

3) Be extremely wary of post, phone calls or emails offering you business deals out of the blue. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always question it.

4) Do not phone a premium rate number (starting 09) or a number starting with 087 until you are sure how much it will cost and that you are happy to pay it. You can check premium rate numbers and those starting with 087 for authenticity with Payphone Plus www.phonepayplus.org.uk

5) If you need advice about fraud, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 to discuss your situation with a specialist fraud advisers. To report a fraud, you can either use the online fraud reporting form or make your report by calling 0300 123 2040.