Police issue warning after phone scammers claiming to be from Amazon con West Mercia residents out of £70,000 in just 24 hours - The Malvern Observer

Police issue warning after phone scammers claiming to be from Amazon con West Mercia residents out of £70,000 in just 24 hours

Malvern Editorial 30th Jun, 2020 Updated: 30th Jun, 2020   0

FRAUDSTERS targeting people across West Mercia have successfully conned people out of £70,000 in the past 24 hours by claiming to be from Amazon.

The scam involves the bogus callers phoning up and telling the recipient they are eligible for an Amazon refund and providing instructions so they can access the money.

In reality the criminal caller gains access to the bank details and takes funds out.

The West Mercia Police Economic Crime Unit is warning people who have received calls like this that it is a scam.




So far victims in Worcestershire have lost £25,000 and in Shropshire £45,000 – all in the past 24 hours.

Det Insp Emma Wright said: “Please remember that no legitimate company, organisation, government body or police force will ever ask for you bank details, ask you to transfer money or offer to transfer money into your account.


“While we are working hard to make everyone aware of these scams and identify these criminals and bring them to justice the public can help us by helping each other – by telling vulnerable and elderly friends, neighbours and relatives who may not have seen the news or social media messages that these scams exist and what they can do.

“Together we will make it impossible for these fraudsters to take advantage of those more vulnerable in our communities.”

Any calls received should be passed onto actionfraud.police.uk and computer users should evaluate their online safety.

Tips include ensuring people have up-to-date security software, using secure passwords and regularly backing up data.

DI Wright added: “If you are able to, I would recommend visiting actionfraud.police.uk, who have a detailed information such as below about what to look out for.

”Always question uninvited approaches in case it’s a scam. Instead, contact the company directly using a known email or phone number.

“Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information.

“It’s easy to feel embarrassed when faced with unexpected or complex conversations.

“But it’s fine to stop the discussion if you do not feel in control of it. Never install any software or visit a website as a result of a cold call.

“Unsolicited requests for remote access to your computer should always raise a red flag.”

Anyone who has given out their personal details should notify their bank and call police on 101.

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