BE AWARE

We have been made aware of a recent phone scam that was extremely convincing, almost catching out a savvy Caerlaverock resident. We wanted to share to remind everyone to be vigilent. This can be an alarming experience, and anyone can be targetted. The callers are well versed in conversation and sound authentic.

The call came to the landline, and the caller (who had a Scottish accent) said that they were calling from the bank, but couldn’t get through on her mobile. The caller display number came up as the bank, right enough… we understand that this is easier to do on a landline phone.

The call was very convincing, telling her that there had been suspicious activity on her account, and so changes would need to be made to secure the account. Funds would need to be transferred into a holding account. 

It was at this stage that the recipient twigged, asking the caller to phone back (they didn’t!) and hung up the phone. After checking they were not still on the line, she contacted her bank. The bank put her in touch with the fraud dept. as this was not a legitimate call.

Financial Fraud Action UK advise that: 

“Fraudsters can sound extremely professional and will do all they can to convince you that their call is genuine.

But there are some simple steps you can take to keep safe.

It’s really important to be wary of any unsolicited phone calls, especially when they ask for your personal or financial details.

Remember – your bank or the police will never:

  • Ask you to transfer money to a new account for fraud reasons, even if they say it is in your name.
  • Phone you to ask for your 4-digit card PIN or your online banking password, even by tapping them into the telephone keypad.
  • Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping.
  • Send someone to your home to collect your cash, PIN, payment card or cheque book if you are a victim of fraud.
  • Ask you to purchase goods using your card and then hand them over for safe-keeping.

If you are given any of these instructions, it is a fraudulent approach.

Hang up the phone, wait five minutes, then call your bank or card issuer on a number you trust – such as the one on their website or on the back of your bank card.

Your bank will also never ask you to check the number showing on your phone’s display matches their registered phone number.

Criminals may already have some information about you, for example your name and address. So don’t assume that a call is genuine just because they have these details or because they claim to represent a legitimate organisation you use or a person that you know.

Never feel pressurised into making a quick response; scammers will sometimes try to hurry you into taking action. A genuine organisation will always give you the time you need to make an informed decision.

If you’re ever at all suspicious about a call, then just hang up the phone.

The UK banks, building societies and card issuers, with the support of the police, have published a Joint Declaration which clearly explains those requests they will NEVER ask of you on the phone.”

Please chat with your family and friends about this, so that everyone is aware of these calls, and how to respond. A genuine caller will understand if you hang up, check the line is clear and then get in touch with the organisation yourself to check.