Can you identify member of fraudster gang who targeted pensioner?

Wiltshire Police have released an e-fit of a man they would like to speak to in relation to a large cash fraud carried out on a pensioner in Swindon.

On Friday 29 December 2017, a woman in her seventies, who lives in the Stratton area of the town, was phoned by a person claiming to be from Greater Manchester Police; they told her that someone had accessed her bank account and had committed fraud and she should go to her bank and withdraw as much money as possible.

The victim was then advised to call her bank to confirm this was legitimate, she did this and was told it was. It is thought that the people committing the offence had not disconnected the call so the victim continued to speak to the fraudsters whilst believing she was speaking to her bank.

The woman withdrew £6,500 from her account and later that day a young man came to her address and collected the money, telling the victim that she would get her money back after the police investigation.

PC Jack Newman said:  "We would like to speak to anyone who recognises this man.

"These criminals involved in this fraud were very convincing and the victim believed they were the police and bank staff.

"This is not unusual in cases like this and it can sometimes be weeks before the victims realise they have been scammed.

"I'd like to remind the public to be cautious when receiving calls from anyone - including the police. We will never ask for bank details over the phone, nor will we ask for passwords or your PIN. Always be wary when asked to withdraw large sums of money.

"This is commonly known as courier fraud and is a ‘social engineering’ scam designed to trick you - using elaborate and highly convincing methods to panic a victim and exploit human nature.

"If the caller claims they are a police officer or police staff, put the phone down and ring the police on 101 and check the details first.  If you can, use another phone in case the fraudsters have kept the line open."

If someone does call you requesting personal information, please do the following:

- Say “OK thanks, I’ll call you back” and ring your bank using the number on the back of your bank card or on your statement.
- NEVER use a number given by the caller
- DO NOT confirm or provide personal information over the phone to someone that has called you. (Bank account/ card details, passwords, ID’s)
- Use a different phone to ensure a fraudster has not ‘held’ the line open, OR phone a friend, to hear a familiar voice and know line is clear.

If you receive a call of this nature, please record as much detail as possible and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the online reporting tool www.actionfraud.police.uk.