A Scots pensioner and a business owner lost a combined £410,000 after being conned in an elaborate telephone banking scam. Both victims were contacted by people claiming to work for their bank.
The 85-year-old man, from Aberdeen, lost £200,000 after fraudsters convinced him there had been fraudulent activity on his account and it was being investigated.
The pensioner was initially asked to transfer £20,000 to an account provided by the scammer. He agreed and was encouraged to set up internet banking.
He continued to provide vast sums on a near-daily basis but became suspicious when a woman contacted him and claimed she worked for the police. He informed a family member and the fraud was reported to the authorities.
A 59-year-old business owner, also from the city, lost £210,000 after scammers claimed his account had been compromised.
He was told to transfer his money to a ‘safe account’ via internet banking and the entire balance of his business and personal accounts were soon in criminal control.
Police are now urging members of the public to be vigilant against the 'despicable' crime.
Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: “The people who carry out these crimes are despicable. They target members of our community and steal their life savings.
“The scammers gained the victims confidence to ensure they parted with large sums of money.
“Criminals pretend to be from a legitimate bank, then contact the victims by telephone to warn of suspicious activity on their accounts. They convince the victim to transfer money to ‘safe accounts’. This type of fraud is known as ‘Authorised Push Payment’.
“We would like to make the public aware of these calls to ensure that their elderly or vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours are also aware of these types of scams.
“Reputable banks and financial institutions will not ask you for your banking details or password by phone. If in doubt, do not share any personal information or financial details. Ask the person where they got your details from and the reason for the call. Ask them for contact details and make a note of what they are asking for.
"Be suspicious as to who is calling you, and make every effort to ensure that the person at the end of the line is legitimate and represents who they claim to be. Do not be afraid to take details; there is nothing wrong with declining their requests and ending the call.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact officers through 101, quoting reference 1345 of 28 May, 2023 Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted through 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.
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