Warning after Northampton resident tricked into handing over her bank card to a fraudster

Anyone with information is being asked to call police on the 101 number.

The victim received a call from a man who claimed to be from Virgin Media and he told her there was a problem with her bill and said that someone from her bank would be calling shortly.

A few minutes later, she received another call from someone who said they were from her bank and would be sending someone to pick up her bank card so that it could be returned to the bank and checked.

A short while later, a man called at the house and the woman gave him her card. She then told a family member who immediately called the bank and the card was cancelled.

The man who called at the house in Arthur Street, Northampton, between 4pm and 5pm on Wednesday, September 14, to collect the bank card, is described as white, with a slim build, brown curly hair and clean shaven. He was wearing jeans and a denim jacket.

PC Callum Hurst said: “Thankfully, no money was stolen on this occasion, but the fraudsters can be very convincing.

“Please share this warning with your family and friends and remind them that their bank will never ask for their PIN or call at their house to collect bank cards.”

The warning echoes the advice given in the national Take Five campaign launched this week by Financial Fraud Action UK, which aims to give people straight-forward advice to help prevent financial fraud.

The campaign is asking everyone to help protect themselves from financial fraud by remembering some simple advice:

1. Never disclose security details, such as your PIN or full password - it’s never okay to reveal these details.

2. Don’t assume an email request or caller is genuine - people aren’t always who they say they are.

3. Don’t be rushed – a genuine bank or organisation won’t mind waiting to give you time to stop and think.

4. Listen to your instincts – if something feels wrong then it is usually right to pause and question it.

5. Stay in control – have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for information.

Witnesses, or anyone with any information about those involved, are asked to contact Northamptonshire Police on 101. Alternatively, they can call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.