“Sophisticated” banking scam targets islanders

Thursday 12 December 2019

Islanders are at risk of losing “large” sums of money as a new and “sophisticated” banking scam involving fake fraud investigators sweeps the island, Police have warned.

The force said there had been a spate of calls from members of the public over the past 24 hours, claiming that they had received calls from individuals claiming to be from their bank and querying certain transactions.

"When the victim says that they haven't made them they are told that they will be called back by a member of the bank fraud team," Police explained.

Pictured: Police said they had received a spate of calls from islanders about the scam over the past 24 hours.

"The victims then receive a call from the 'fraud team' using a number that is the same as those shown on the back of the victim's debit card.

"The 'fraud team' then ask for the victim's assistance to catch the perpetrator (who they say they suspect to be a member of bank staff) by going to their local branch and making a 'fake transaction' to an account. They are assured that no money will actually be taken but it will allow the bank to identify the perpetrator.

"In reality, the victim is actually transferring money to a live account."

Despite fraudsters' efforts being "complex and realistic" – including the use of credible phone numbers – Police said that they were so far unaware of any money being taken.

Pictured: If in doubt, Police said islanders should refer to the telephone numbers on their bank cards.

However, they expressed concern that some of the sums requested were "large".

They are now reminding islanders to never share any personal details over the telephone.

They added that islanders should hang up on calls they are unsure about and call the numbers on their card or the bank's website. Alternatively, they can visit their local branch for more information or contact Police.