A BOGUS bank worker has conned a 74-year-old Somerset woman out of £45,000.

Police are warning people to be vigilant following the telephone scame.

The woman from Wells was called by someone claiming to be from her bank.

They said that her bank account had been compromised and they needed to transfer her savings to a 'safe account'.

They were, he claimed, carrying out investigations into employees at her bank who were under suspicion of criminal activity.

She was asked to make up a password - which she could use when the caller contacted her - and she was provided with details of a new account number and asked to make up a cover story in case she was quizzed by staff at her bank when she transferred the money.

She went into the bank on Friday, February 2, and made the transfer and was called to confirm the money had been transferred into the new 'safe' account.

Further similar transfers were made on February 3 and 5.

When her son phoned her and she explained what had happened he immediately spotted it was a scam and contacted Avon and Somerset Police.

Officers are currently investigating the incident and working with the victim’s bank.

A force spokesman said: "It is possible that other people in the Avon and Somerset force area may have been victims of a similar scam and lost money.

"We would like to hear from them and would urge them to contact us, quoting 5218027707."

KEY MESSAGES:

  • Don’t ever give your PiN number to anyone over the phone – whether they claim to be a police officer or from your bank. This information will NEVER be requested over the phone;
  • Always check with your bank that they have called especially if you are asked to set up aa new account over the phone;
  • If there is mention of criminal activity call the police;
  • If you get a suspicious call, when you put the phone down, leave it for a few minutes before calling your bank or the police - the phone may be compromised/or the line held;
  • It is advisable to use a different phone (mobile or a neighbour’s phone) to check the validity of the call;
  • The fraudsters can be very convincing and manipulative and will try to pressurise you to transfer money into a different account, withdraw large sums of money and pay ‘non-existent’ fees. Don’t be misled. If any doubt put down the phone and speak to your neighbour, call your bank or call the police.