Menu

Elderly homeowner tricked into handing over money in Virgin Media scam

Posted on - 30th September, 2018 - 5:18pm | Author - | Posted in - Crime, Preston News
The scammers have been calling and claiming to be from Virgin Media Pic: Pixabay
The scammers have been calling and claiming to be from Virgin Media Pic: Pixabay

Prestonians are being urged to check on elderly relatives and neighbours after a phone scam.

Advertisement

Fraudsters have stolen £21,000 from an 82-year-old.

Advertisements
Preston Weekender advert

The phone scam saw the elderly person being tricked into believing they were phoning from Virgin Media.

The victim’s online banking account was accessed and they were able to transfer funds.

Preston Police are now warning people to be vigilant if they receive calls claiming to be from Virgin Media or other broadband providers.

Advertisements

A spokesman said: It’s clearly been a traumatic experience for the victim and we are carrying out a full investigation in the hope we can get the victims money back.”

Read more: Man who conned Fulwood couple out of life savings has been jailed

In a second scam warning the police said they received a number of reports of a man calling Preston households and saying he was from the Metropolitan Police.

He then tried to obtain bank details after suggesting a bank fraud had taken place.

If anyone is concerned or has information they are asked to call police on 101.

Advertisements
barton manor gym

There’s also extensive advice online about staying safe from fraudsters.

Share
Advertisements
caritas fostering advert
Preston in pictures 24.03.24 - Penwortham [Church of St Mary] 240323JPGDSC_7658 - Bus stationDSC_7676 - Miller ArcadeDSC_7681 - former Post Office, cenotaph and Town HallDSC_7682 - Central Methodist church, Lune StreetDSC_7668 - Fish (aka Box) MarketDSC_7672 - Miller ArcadeDSC_7674 - Miller Arcade View more Advertisement Subscribe to the newsletter

Sign up below to receive Blog Preston's email newsletter. It wings its way into inboxes every Sunday and Wednesday rounding up our top stories and more.

Advertisement News by location

Find news by location, select an area of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

The Preston Guide

Discover local businesses and services near you.

    Advertisements
Advertisement Categories

Find news by category, select an category of your choice to be kept up to date with the latest goings on.

Blog Preston email updates

Receive our digest of the biggest and best stories every Sunday to your email inbox

We respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe at any time from our emails