Fraudsters fleece residents out of £170,000 with new method
Fraudsters have scammed Mid Wales residents out of more than £170,000 with a sophisticated new method.
Dyfed-Powys police force says criminals are using a two-step approach that starts with a text message, usually claiming to be DPD, Royal Mail or Covid-19 related. Regardless of what people do with this text, they will receive a phone call a few days later from someone claiming to be their bank, informing them that a recent text has compromised their account.
They will look to convince people that the text they received a few days prior has caused suspicious activity on their bank account. They claim that the account is no longer safe and that their money needs to be moved in to a ‘safe’ account. This ‘safe’ account belongs to the criminals and once transferred, the money is gone.
Detective Gareth Jordan, from Dyfed-Powys’ Economic Crime Team, said: ‘They are using the fraudulent text messages that we have unfortunately become accustomed to and adding an extra step, which appears to be a totally separate interaction. This extra layer disarms you and potentially puts every member of the public at risk, not just those considered vulnerable or less aware of fraud.
"It’s important that everyone in our communities becomes aware of this method. This could target anyone in our force area and across the country. It is crucial that people spread the word about this type of fraud and continue to remain as safe as possible."
He gave some tips to ensure safety: remain alert; if in doubt, put the phone down; once you hang up, leave the phone for two minutes as the line could still be open; phone your bank using the number on the back of your debit/credit card.
"Remember, your bank will never phone you and ask you to transfer money."
Anyone with information surrounding fraudulent activity is asked to report it to Dyfed-Powys Police, either online at: bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, by emailing 101@dyfed-powys.police.uk, or by calling 101.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired text the non-emergency number on 07811 311 908
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555111, or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org.
