Trafford police warn of bank account scam (From Messenger Newspapers)

Trafford police warn of bank account scam after Altrincham pensioner targetted

1:15pm Thursday 20th September 2012 in News By Kate Banks, Reporter

POLICE have warned residents to be aware of a bank account scam, after a 78-year-old Altrincham man was targeted last week.

The man received a phone call stating he was owed £3,500 after being overcharged on his bank account, and that to receive the cheque he should go to a newsagents and buy a YOUCASH voucher.
 

He was told the voucher would cover admin fees and that he should give this voucher to the person who was to deliver his cheque to him.
 

He received more phone calls the following day, now asking for the voucher number over the phone and was told that if he did not do this then the cheque would not be delivered.
 

Uncertain what he should do, the man contacted the police and was told that he should not hand over any money.
 

They explained that once a voucher number is obtained by a scammer, they can retrieve funds from it.

Trafford police have warned residents not to fall for the scam.
 

PC John McGrath, of Trafford division, said: “Trust your instincts and if it does not seem right then it probably isn’t.”
 

Anyone who receives one of these letters in suspicious circumstances is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.