Horsham phone scam probe: Police issue efit

Police said the victim received a phone call at his home on Tuesday February 24, at around 2pm, from a caller claiming he was an undercover detective constable from London police and told the man his card had been cloned.

Police said the caller spoke with a deep voice and a foreign accent and asked the victim to withdraw £6,000 from his bank account.

The victim was told he would receive a £10,000 reward for helping police or face arrest and a prison sentence if he did not cooperate.

The bank would only allow the man to withdraw £2,000 and police said the money was collected by a suspect described as a mixed race man, in his 30s, 5’ 2” and of medium build.

They added he had dark messy facial hair and was wearing a light coloured matching tracksuit with his hood up.

Detective Constable Phillip Peadon said: “The caller intimidated the victim by threatening police action scaring the victim into thinking he was doing the right thing by handing over to help police.

“We will never ask for your details over the phone and will not ask you to take out money.

“If you recognise this man or saw something suspicious in this area at the time please get in contact with us.

“If you have any suspicions about a phone call, please do not use the phone you have been called on to contact the police or your bank. If possible use another phone to report you concerns or to contact a friend or relative.”

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to email [email protected] or call 101 quoting serial 878 of 24/02.

Alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

For online advice on fraud prevention visit: http://www.sussex.police.uk/help-centre/ask-us/fraud,-scams-and-financial-issues/what-can-i-do-to-prevent-fraud