Rye woman fallsvictim to scam

Police are warning residents to be in their guard after an elderly man in Eastbourne lost money in the same way.

Fraudsters are phoning and pretending to be police officers. They tell the residents that their bank account has been compromised and that they need to withdraw thousands of pounds for examination and give it to a courier.

Police say the women in Rye withdrew a ‘large amount’ of money.

Detective Inspector Rob Morland said: “The people that call are working off a script and may ask for money or your bank cards and details to be handed over to a courier they are sending to your home. Do not hand over any money and be alert to the fact that they may keep the phone line open and pretend to be the police if you try to report it, requesting that you not to report it further.

“We don’t want to scare people but you need to know that there have been many reports in Surrey and across the South East. If you get a call do not hand over money or your bank cards and details. They may ask you to immediately call them back on 999 but be aware that they are keeping the line open.

“If you are suspicious that they have left the line open report it to police by mobile phone or ask a neighbour, friend or family member to report it.

“Police officers would never make such calls and you should never hand over cash or your bank details. If you get such a call do not do what they say but report it to police.”