Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 19th February 2025, at 16:10hrs
Three elderly victims in Lancashire received calls but luckily didn’t provide any details to the fraudsters
An urgent warning to the public has been issued by Lancashire Police after reports of fraudsters calling victims and pretending to be Police Officers investigating fraudulent activity on their bank cards.
In a social media post made today, Lancashire Police said:
“We are reminding the public that a police officer will never ask you to withdraw money to assist with a criminal investigation following three attempted courier frauds in Lancashire yesterday.
In the first incident a woman in her 80s received a phone call from a man purporting to be called DC David Brown from Blackburn Police who was investigating fraudulent activity on the victim’s bank card. Thankfully the victim did not provide any personal details.
In the second incident a man in his 80s received a phone call from a man purporting to be called DC David Wright of Blackburn Police Station, Ainsworth Street, who was investigating fraudulent activity on the victim’s bank card. Thankfully the victim did not provide any personal details.
In the third incident a man in his 80s received a phone call from a man purporting to be called PC Micheal Dodds of Blackburn Police Station, Ainsworth Street, who was investigating fraudulent activity on the victim’s bank card. Thankfully the victim did not provide any personal details.
DC Matt Gallagher, from our Fraud Triage Team, said: “I would ask our residents to consider who is on the other end of the line, Don’t assume a phone call is authentic just because someone knows your name and address.
“Your bank or the police will never call you asking for personal details such as PIN numbers or offer to pick up cards or items from your address. Consider registering with a Telephone Preference Service to stop unsolicited calls / marketing calls making their way through.
“If you are in the slightest doubt during a phone call, hang up – either use a different phone or wait 20 minutes before calling either your bank, Action Fraud or the police. This is because fraudsters often leave the line open waiting for you to use the phone so the safest method is using a different device.
“I would also ask that you consider installing a call blocker. These can be done through phone companies /through phone applications.
“If you feel worried or concerned about a call – alert someone you trust and tell them.
“I would ask anyone who is concerned about this type of contact to report this into Action Fraud online via https://orlo.uk/JPdwr or by calling 0300 123 2040. Alternatively, contact the police by calling101. If a crime is ongoing call 999.”
G2K INCIDENT WATCH 