Be Aware - bank card scam

The scam is targeting the elderly*

We've been asked to help raise awareness and warn of a scam aimed at gaining access to people’s bank account savings and which appears to be targeted at the elderly, including Armed Forces veterans.

The scam involves the victims receiving a telephone call from someone stating they are from their bank. The person will say that they need to get a new bank card and that it will be delivered by courier. A person posing as a courier then attends the address and takes the victims bank card in exchange for a ‘new’ one. The new bank card is a fake and the offenders will then go on to use the bank card from the victim to make numerous fraudulent transactions. It is thought that they obtain the pin number through the telephone conversation.

At least two of the four known victims of this scam have been Armed Forces veterans.

SPVA’s Head of Veterans Services, Jon Parkin, said:

“Whilst there is nothing to suggest that the Veterans Community is specifically being targeted, it is important for veterans to be aware of this scam and to remain vigilant. If people are approached in this way, they should refuse to become involved and should report the matter to their local police station.

The warning was issued after the Police contacted the Agency and requested help in making veterans groups aware.


*Illustrative image of a pensioner on the telephone with a bank card. © Crown Copyright/MOD 2011.