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Preston pensioner phone call scam: Police issue urgent warning after thousands handed over to scammers

Posted on - 10th March, 2015 - 10:37am | Author - | Posted in - Crime, Penwortham, Preston News, Walton-le-Dale

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Police are warning Preston pensioners to beware of scam phone callers after a spate of incidents since February.

Two pensioners handed over thousands of pounds to cold callers who call pretending to be a police officer.

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The calls have been made across Penwortham, Walton-le-Dale, Bamber Bridge and Preston.

One pensioner handed over £8,800 and another handed over £6,000. A number of other victims got to the point of withdrawing money but fortunately did not hand it over.

Scam callers had previously targeted Preston and also East Lancashire.

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DC Barry James from Burnley CID said: “These are despicable crimes against vulnerable, elderly victims.

“We know that this is a national problem but areas of Lancashire are continuing to be targeted with more incidents being reported since our appeal last month. I would like to remind people to be vigilant and if you get this type of phone call, report it to the police and/ or your bank before transferring any money into another account or agreeing to hand any of your cash over.

“People who commit these offences will often target the elderly posing as officials to gain their confidence and trust. No police officer or other official body will ever ask for your bank details or would ever ask you to withdraw or transfer funds.

“If you have an elderly friend or relative, please let them know that this is happening so they can avoid becoming a potential victim.”

Anybody with information can contact police on 101 or alternatively Crimestoppers can be called anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org.

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