FRAUDSTERS posing as police officers are continuing to target pensioners throughout Trafford.

The scam involves the fraudsters phoning their elderly victims and pretending to be police officers investigating a fraud crime.

They then coerce the victims into 'helping' them by asking them to either withdraw money from their bank account to be collected by a courier, transfer money into a different bank account or tricking them into giving them their bank account details.

After a recent spike in incidents across Trafford and the city region, police are urging people to make sure they know who is on the other end of the phone.

Detective Superintendent Nicky Porter of GMP’s Economic and Cybercrime Service, said: “Fraud can have a devastating impact on people’s lives.

“Our campaign aims to encourage people to stop and think about who is on the other end of the phone and not to give anyone their bank details or personal information.

"The more information we can give people about fraud and how to protect themselves, the easier it will be to stop it from taking place.

“Fraudsters often target older and more vulnerable people, but I would urge anyone who suspects they have been a victim of fraud to report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.”

GMP have issued advice for the public on how to avoid being caught out by fraudsters and what to do if you feel suspicious.

To protect yourself from fraud scams, you should:

  • Never give money or personal information to someone you do not know or trust.
  • Never disclose your bank details or PIN number.
  • A police officer will never ask you for bank details or to withdraw or transfer money to another account.
  • A police officer will never ask you to purchase goods for them using your card.
  • You can contact your local neighbourhood policing team to verify if someone is a police officer. Find your local contact number here: www.gmp.police.uk
  • Fraudsters will pressure you into making unwise decisions. They might tell you not to speak about it to other people so they don’t get caught.
  • Be suspicious of phone calls, texts or emails which come out of the blue asking for personal and financial details or asking you to withdraw money regardless of who they claim to be.
  • If you receive a call that raises your suspicions hang up the phone and allow at least five minutes for the line to clear.

Messenger Newspapers:

Last month, an 80-year-old Timperley pensioner was nearly conned out of £4,000 after a woman claiming to be a police officer told her they had arrested someone for hacking into her bank account.

The bogus officer then asked the woman how much money she had in her savings account, before instructing her to withdraw the money at her local bank.

The pensioner was then visited by a man posing as a detective from the 'fraud squad', who ordered her to hand the money over as 'evidence'.

But the elderly woman became suspicious and alerted the police.

Police are urging anyone who may have had a similar experience to make a report.

Police Constable John McGrath, from GMP’s Trafford borough, said: “It is concerning that someone is pretending to be an officer to exploit innocent people and take their money.

“Police would never ask for detailed account information over the phone or ask you to withdraw money.

“If you suspect a suspicious call take down all the details of the caller and then contact your bank to inform them as well as police.

“We believe other people may have experienced a similar bogus call in the area and would ask that anyone who has, reports this to police at the earliest possible opportunity.”

If you spot a scam or have been scammed, report it and get help. You can contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.