Police are warning the public to be vigilant following after a local resident was targeted by fraudsters.
Constable Sara Clements, explains: “A local resident recently received a number of text messages, allegedly from Nationwide Building Society, saying he had been granted a mortgage. The text messages were followed by a phone call from a person who claimed to be from Nationwide and asked for details to be provided in order to process the mortage.
“Fortunately the resident refused and contacted Nationwide who were able to confirm that the contact had not come from them and notified their fraud department.
“We were lucky in this case that the recipent was so astute and did not fall for this scam and we want to make sure that no one else becomes a victim.
“Never, ever give out your personal or financial details to unknown callers.
“Legitimate companies and banks will NEVER ask for your full PIN and password online. “Legitimate companies and banks will NEVER telephone you to ask for your banking PIN and password. Telephone calls asking for these details will not be from the bank or company, therefore the person calling is likely to be a fraudster. “Any unsolicited communication or contact from your bank or another company should be checked. Please contact the bank or company in the event that you are approached by phone. Try and use a separate phone from the one that you have been contacted on as the fraudsters can hold open your phone line and trick you into believing that you are contacting your bank.
“DO NOT disclose account details or access arrangements with anyone from the bank unless you have contacted them directly.”
Constable Clements continued: “If you have been approached or have fallen victim to this type of scam you are advised to report this to the bank or company immediately and report the matter to your local police station on the new non-emergency number 101 or in an emergency please phone 999. “Action Fraud can also be contacted by telephoning 0300 123 2040 or by visiting their website at www.actionfraud.police.uk/home.” If you have any concerns or require any further advice, please contact your local Crime Prevention Office on 101.
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