Bank foils scammer who asked Christchurch pensioner to withdraw £5,000

A CHRISTCHURCH pensioner was saved from handing over £5,000 to a fraudster who claimed to be a police officer.

The 83-year-old woman received a phone call from a scammer who said they were from Bedfordshire Police, officers from Christchurch said, adding that the caller had personal information on the victim which was used to gain her trust.

She was asked to go to her bank and withdraw £5,000, but staff at the Santander branch in the high street intervened and no money was handed over.

Christchurch police said they reassured the woman who was “ashamed and embarrassed” by the close call, and reminded residents that officers would never ask for money to be withdrawn or send a taxi to collect cash.

To report suspicious phone calls visit www.actionfraud.police.uk or call the police on 101.

For crime prevention advice on scams, visit https://www.dorset.police.uk/help-advice-crime-prevention/scams-fraud-cyber/