Telephone scammers targeting vulnerable and elderly in West Sussex

The crime involves the fraudster claiming to be from the police or bank, and informing the victim that their card details have been fraudulently used.

They suggest the victim hang up and call back to ensure that the call is genuine, but stay on the line and pretend to be the police or the bank, before asking the victim to read out their PIN number.

They will then send a taxi or courier to collect the victim’s bank card.

Police say the scam has been attempted in Crawley and Mid Sussex in recent days, and have urged all residents in Sussex to be on guard.

Chief inspector Beeken of Sussex Police said: “Under no circumstances would the police or your bank request your pin number over the telephone or arrange collection of your bank cards from your home address in this manner.

“I advise all members of the public to never give out your bank details to someone who has contacted you on your home phone unsolicited.

“If you have any suspicions please do not use the phone you have just been called on to contact the police or your bank.

“If possible use another phone to contact the police to report it, or to contact a friend to relative to alert them.

“I urge anyone reading or hearing this message to pass it on to any friends and relatives who may not be aware of this particular type of targeted fraud, to prevent any vulnerable friends or family members from becoming victims.”

Anyone with information can call Sussex Police on 101 quoting Op Galvani, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.