Avon & Somerset Police are appealing for help to trace this man who may be able to help their investigation into a fraud.
A 77-year-old woman from Taunton was contacted over the phone by a man claiming to be a Police officer from Hampshire investigating a fraud on her bank account. The bogus officer persuaded the lady to withdraw cash from her account and give it to a man sent to her home.
The man who collected the money was described as aged in his 20s, about 5ft 6ins tall and of Asian appearance. He was wearing a white T-shirt and black trousers and had short black hair.
The conmen told her not to tell bank staff why she was withdrawing the money and claimed it would help them ‘investigate’ the ‘fraud’.
Officers ask the man in the picture, or anyone else with information which could help the investigation, to get in touch through www.avonandsomerset.police.uk/contact or by calling 101 quoting reference 5218111546.
Please be alert when answering the phone to anyone asking for bank details or for you to withdraw or transfer cash.
Banks and police officers will never ask for your PIN. Reputable callers will always give you time to verify their identification and won’t hurry or alarm you. They’ll be happy to call back when you can have someone you trust with you.
If you’re suspicious of a caller who says they’re a police officer, ring off and call 101 to check. Similarly, check with your bank or other service provider using the number on your statement or in the phone book.
Action Fraud is the national fraud reporting centre. Visit their website www.actionfraud.police.uk for a full list of scams and frauds and share the information if you have a vulnerable family member, friend or neighbour. If you think you have been defrauded, contact Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.
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