Herald - Issue 416

Page 50 • The HERALD • 9th December 2021 v EMAIL: editor@herald-publishing.co.uk v WE CARE, YOU CARE POLICE ISSUE WARNING TO ELDERLY COMMUNITY TO REMAIN VIGILANT Hampshire Constabulary is warning local residents across the whole of Hampshire to remain vigilant a er an increase in incidents of courier fraud since the end of October and throughout November. e crimes commonly involve an unexpected call from someone who purports to be a police o cer or a sta member from their local bank, or an employee from an internet / phone provider. ey then tell the victim that their account has been subject to fraudulent activity, or is in danger of being closed and then request the victim assist them with the ongoing investigation, with this involving: • Being asked for detail about their nancial accounts and bank cards. • Being sent to their bank to withdraw money, or being asked to buy high value goods. • Grant the caller access to their computer or phone, by downloading an application. In recent cases ‘couriers’ being sent to victims home address in order to collect the goods, cash or bank cards; but in some previous o ences, victims have also been directed to send the items or money to a nominated address. A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson, said : “The public are our first line of defence in offences of this nature. It is really important for them to understand that the police, government agencies such as HMRC and banks will never make unsolicited calls to them, in order to try to obtain financial information, ask them to withdraw money from their bank, or to surrender money, goods or their bank cards. These incidents can often have a significant impact on victims – both emotionally and financially – as they come to terms with the fact that they have fallen for a scam, and the financial losses that come with it. However, we want to ensure that those individuals do not become repeat victims, educate them and their loved ones and ensure that fraudsters can no longer take advantage of Hampshire residents. If anyone receives a call of this nature, they should not engage with the caller and hang up. Hampshire Constabulary are committed to bringing an end to offences of this nature and will take steps to identify and prosecute the individuals responsible.” Please remember that: • Police o cers, banks and other organisations such as HMRC will never call people in this way and ask you to withdraw money or disclose personal or nancial information. If someone does do this, please hang up – it will be a scam. • If someone calls claiming to be a police o cer, ask for their ID number and police force. Wait at least ve minutes before calling back. A genuine police o cer will not mind waiting while you check. • Never hand money or your bank card/pin to someone at the door to be sent o elsewhere. • Fraudsters o en try to make victims buy iTunes vouchers or high end jewellery, which they will then sell to make pro t. Genuine organisations will never contact you in this way to pay bills or debts. • If you are a friend, relative or carer of someone you think might be vulnerable to this type of scam, please speak to them about this advice. You might be the only person who can stop them from being scammed. If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, report it to us by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, dial 999. You can make yourself aware of this type of scam and how to protect yourself by visiting the Action Fraud website (www.actionfraud.police.uk) or by calling them on: 0300 123 2040. Gardening Volunteers needed for the Waterside Good Neighbours Service. If you can spare a few hours to help with small gardening tasks for local older clients please phone Dorothy on 023 8084 3676 for more details. ey also need volunteers to help with sorting a constant stream of donations, labelling and putting out stock for the busy shop in Dibden Purlieu. If you can spare a few hours please call in to their Dibden Purlieu Shop and ask Manager Sue Jones for more information and an application form. Alternatively call the o ce on: 023 8084 1199. Volunteers Needed for Age Concern New Forest