87-year-old Lutterworth man warns others after ruthless scammer tried to target him

Jack has bravely spoken out after he was called by someone claiming to be a police officer.

The unsuspecting pensioner was singled out last month by a conman insisting he was a policeman based in London.

Ringing out of the blue, the shameless trickster told Jack there had been an attempt to hack his bank account.

The swindler urged the 87-year-old to check his identity by calling 999 and he would then ring him back.

Jack called 999 and the operator warned him straight away it sounded like a scam call.

Later the same day the Lutterworth pensioner received further calls from a withheld number.

He told the caller his call sounded like a scam – and the suspected criminal promptly hung up.

Speaking out at a special Leicestershire Police media conference, Jack said: “When I received the call I immediately thought this is a scam but I was just a little curious.

“I knew I needed to leave sufficient time before checking if the call was genuine.

“I called 999 and was put through to the police who told me that the call I had received was a potential scam.

“I know these offences are becoming more and more prevalent.”

He stressed: “I want to help the police by getting the message across.

“If you get a call in similar circumstances put the phone down.

“Don’t get drawn in to a conversation and never disclose any personal details.

“Use a different telephone to contact the police as there’s always a chance the caller may still be connected to your line.”

These offences are known as courier fraud.

There are various different versions of the crime.

But in the majority of cases elderly and vulnerable people are contacted by someone claiming to be in authority, such as a police officer.

Reference is made to fraudulent use of their bank cards to accounts.

And to verify all is well victims are asked to withdraw large sums of money or purchase high-value items.

Arrangements are then made to send someone to collect the cash or item from the victim’s home address.

Since October 2019 Leicestershire Police have had 62 reports of courier fraud.

Some 13 of those resulted in a total financial loss of more than £120,000 and 49 of the reports were attempts to obtain cash or valuables.

Paul Wenlock, the head of the force’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “Fortunately Jack became suspicious and luckily no money exchanged hands.

“It’s extremely important for people to be aware of these offences.

“One thing to be aware of is the police or banks would never contact people in this way.”

He added: “If they are called they should disconnect the call straightaway and report the incident to the police using another telephone.

“That’s because on some occasions calls can remain connected.

“If you have an elderly neighbour or relative make them aware of this scam immediately.

“The callers do sound plausible and it is quite easy to get drawn in.”

Further advice about these offences can be found on www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/courier-fraud