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Warning as 'London' scammer cons islander out of nearly £13k

Warning as 'London' scammer cons islander out of nearly £13k

Wednesday 24 April 2024

Warning as 'London' scammer cons islander out of nearly £13k

Wednesday 24 April 2024


Police have issued a warning about a scammer with a “London accent” who has already conned one islander out of £12,800.

In a statement posted to social media, police said the scammer called people using no caller ID and claimed to be from HSBC.

He was described as "extremely sophisticated in his knowledge of the victim’s accounts”.

The statement said: "Please be aware of a new scam alert of a male purporting to be from HSBC. The male is described as having a London accent.

"The scammer is using 'no caller ID' and has been able to transfer £12,800 out of a local resident's account. This money was transferred into two local business' accounts.

"Fortunately, the victim has spoken to the local companies who will be sending the money back. The scammer was described as being extremely sophisticated in his knowledge of the victim's accounts and the way in which he gained access to their money."

The force urged people to spread the word.

This is the latest in a series of scams to affect islanders.

In January, scammers claiming to be from High Street banks snatched an average of £23,000-per-day over six days.

Last week, police released the image of a suspected serial fraudster who they believe to have scammed numerous local businesses and individuals over the course of three years.

ADVICE...

Anyone who receives a call or text claiming something is wrong with their bank account is urged not to respond, and instead to go to the bank directly to check if the contact is legitimate.

Police advise:

  • Don’t trust caller ID or the number that displays on your phone. 
  • Don’t give out any personal information including security codes.
  • End the call, wait 5 minutes, contact the service provider rather than the numbers provided.

Each bank has its own security tips – click to find your own: Santander InternationalRBSI/NatWest InternationalHSBC Channel IslandsLloyds BankBarclays.

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