Two people from Radlett have been arrested after a bank intervened to prevent a elderly woman handing over more than £3,000 to a cleaning company.
Police were alerted by bank staff after the resident, a woman in her 70s, attempted to withdraw £3,400 from her account, stating it was for a deep clean of her house.
The cleaning company sent cleaners to the resident’s home, allegedly without being invited or agreeing a price for the work. When the bank refused the withdrawal, the woman attended the bank in person to make the withdrawal. Bank staff notified police who attended and arrested a 36-year-old woman, from Radlett, who had accompanied the resident.
A 42-year-old man, from Radlett, was also arrested in connection with the investigation.
Detective Constable David Lancaster, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Case Investigation Team, said: “Fraudsters will often try to scam potential victims by persuading them to withdraw large sums of cash from their local bank branch and hand it over to them. This is because they know that once they have the cash it can be difficult to trace and return it.
“These scams can involve anything from rogue builders offering to do bogus work on your driveway to sophisticated fraudsters claiming that your bank account has been compromised and must be emptied to stop your money being stolen. However, what all these scams have in common is that they tend to target the most vulnerable in our society, including elderly victims who are particularly at risk.
“If you are questioned by bank staff, please do not take offence. This is part of a scheme designed to protect you and your money from fraudsters.”
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud report to Action Fraud to 0300 123 2040, or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk
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