Con artists pose as police in banking scam

The Economic Crime Unit is investigating similar ten offences in Wakefield and Leeds.

Det Con Mick Wilson said: “The fraud works in two parts with the victim initially receiving a call from someone claiming to either work for the police or a bank or building society saying that there has been fraudulent activity or another issue with their account.

“The caller will generally then ask a series of ‘security’ questions, including asking for the PIN number, and then advise that someone will attend shortly to collect the card. A taxi driver or courier will then call at the victim’s address and collect the card.

“The police, banks and building societies do not operate in this way and you should not disclose your PIN number to anyone regardless of who they claim to work for. You should also never hand your bank card over in this way. If there is a requirement for you to be issued with a new card then the old card will be left with you to dispose of securely.”

He advised anyone with concerns to contact their bank and the police immediately.

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.