By News Reporters
Anti-fraud detectives in Camden are warning people to be aware of bank card fraud after an elderly couple in Fitzrovia unwittingly handed their bank details and cash card to a criminal. Police say the fraud is quite widespread and is known as “courier fraud” or “courier scam” as it involves a motorcycle or cycle messenger or driver who comes to collect the bank card under false pretences.
In the case that happened this past week the Fitzrovia couple received a phone call from someone who said he was a police officer investigating bank card fraud and that he had reason to believe the couple’s bank account had money taken out without their permission. They were then told to key their PIN into the phone’s handset and that someone from the bank would call to pick up their bank card and that they would be issued with a replacement later.
However, after falling for the fraud the couple who are both aged in their 80s became suspicious and contacted Camden police who told them they had been duped and that it was a known method of fraud.
Detective Constable Alex Stavrou from Holborn Police Station told Fitzrovia News that residents need to be aware of this type of crime. “We have a leaflet that warns people,” he said. “Your Bank or Police will never ring you and tell you that they are coming to your home to pick up your card, so never hand it over to anyone who comes to collect it.”
The Fitzrovia couple have been told their bank will refund the money that was taken from their account.
Camden Police Fraud Alert leaflet. Metropolitan Police alert about “courier scams”.