Elderly residents targeted in phone scam in Weymouth and Dorchester

Dorset Police have issued the warning after a surge in reports of the phone scams today.

In one incident that happened today at around 10.30am a pensioner from Dorchester was targeted.

During the incident the offender, calling himself Derek, claimed the woman’s bank account had been compromised in some way. She was then encouraged to call the number on the back of her bank card and provide her bank details.

The offender, unbeknown to the victim, has remained on the line and pretended to be her bank.

Other offences that were reported to the police today happened in the Weymouth area. The offenders were unsuccessful in these cases.

Inspector Pete Browning, of Dorchester police, said: “Offenders are highly convincing and have conned many victims into handing over thousands of pounds in recent months.

“I ask people to remain vigilant and report any such incidents to the police.”

Dorset Police are also urging victims of phone scams to report it to them. They have also issued a batch of top tips to keep safe and to prevent being conned on the phone.

These are: • Do not reveal your bank details including PIN to anyone – banks will already have these details and will never ask for your card back.

• If you receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to be from your bank, do not give them any details, hang up and call your bank on their regular contact telephone number and the police – wait at least 2 minutes after hanging up to make the calls to ensure that the line is clear or use a different telephone.

• Do not give your bank cards to strangers whatever reason they may give you to part with them.

• Do not allow any unknown or unexpected callers inside your home. If you are suspicious, call 999 immediately.

• Do not hand over any cash to people unknown to you.

To contact police to report any incidents call 101 quoting incident number 30:181 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.