South Wales Police are urging people to be vigilant after an elderly woman was defrauded out of thousands of pounds and sentimental jewellery by somebody pretending to be a police officer.
A victim, aged in her 80s, from Cardiff had £20k in cash stolen on Friday, November 28.
She had been phoned earlier that day by someone claiming to be a police officer and instructed to withdraw the cash. Arrangements were then made for the money to be collected from her home.
One man has been charged and is due to appear at Cardiff Magistrates’ Court today (Monday, December 1)
An investigation is on-going.
Detective Inspector Bob Chambers. from South Wales Police, said: “Please be extra vigilant on the lead up to Christmas and look out for elderly relatives.
“Fraudsters are targeting victims particularly our most vulnerable and will use various tactics to acquire bank details.
“Should you receive any text messages purporting to be from your bank asking you to click on ‘links’ please do not do this. Delete it and contact your bank immediately.
“Furthermore, police will never ask you to confirm any of your bank details via any social media platforms If you are approached in this way, please contact South Wales Police.”
- Never give banking or personal details to anyone you don’t know or trust. This information is valuable so make sure you protect it.
- Police officers will never ask anyone to withdraw cash or ask for personal banking details.
Some more useful advice which can help you or a loved one stay protected from scammers can be found here – https://shorturl.at/h4202
Please contact South Wales Police by one of the following means.
Contact us online via https://www.south-wales.police.uk/ro/report
101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Always call 999 in an emergency.
- Cleonest Masser, 20, from Pentwyn, has been charged with fraud by false representation.
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