Warning as elderly couple scammed out of £15,500
An elderly couple have been scammed out of more than £15,000.
Police are appealing after the victims received a call from a man claiming to be an officer with the fraud squad based in London.
He told them he was calling because there had been some unusual activity involving their bank card.
Over the next few days the couple were called several times and were eventually persuaded to withdraw £15,500 from two bank accounts on the pretext of helping police trace the fraudsters.
The victims, from Great Wyrley, were instructed to place the cash in an envelope which was collected by a 'courier' using a given password on March 13.
The man who collected the money was described as Asian, aged between 30 and 35, and was around 5ft 10ins tall and wearing a sweater and trousers.
Detective Inspector Robert Harvmann of Staffordshire Police, said: “These callous fraudsters tend to prey on the elderly and pretend to be police officers to gain their victims’ trust.
“Please remember that the police or your bank would never ask you to aid an investigation by withdrawing or transferring money.
"Never give out or confirm personal or financial information to anyone over the phone.
“If you receive one of these calls, end it immediately.
"Do not engage in conversation, they will try to cause panic and fear to get you to collect money for them.
“If you believe you have been a victim of this type of crime, call us on 101.
"If you have any information regarding those responsible for such crimes, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
