Scam Alert - Courier Fraud

Hampshire Trading Standards would like to remind residents to be vigilant about telephone calls, and to highlight a recent fraud attempt. 
A resident received a cold call from a person purporting to be an Area Manager from their bank.  The caller went on to say there was a problem with the resident’s debit card, and that he needed to arrange collection of the card and give them a replacement one.
A male attended the address, said he was a courier and had been sent by the Area Manager.  He asked for the card and the PIN. 
Thankfully neither were handed over, and the matter was reported to the Police.
Protect yourself:

• Remember, a genuine bank will NEVER contact you out of the blue to ask for your card, full PIN or password.
• Don't assume a phone call is authentic just because the caller knows your basic details, such as name and address.
• Don’t use a telephone number given by the caller to make checks, it could be part of the fraud.  Phone numbers and email addresses can be spoofed, so always contact the company directly via a known email or phone number (such as the one on the back of your bank card). 
• I some cases, fraudsters keep the line open by not hanging up.  Make sure your line is clear by calling a person whose voice you know first.
• Don’t be tricked into giving a fraudster access to your personal or financial details.
• Never automatically click on a link in a text or email from a person, bank or organisation you don’t know.

If you have been a victim of fraud or cyber crime and have lost money, contact your bank immediately and report the matter to the police via Action Fraud report it to us online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
To inform Trading Standards about suspected scams, contact our partners at the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline 03454 04 05 06.