Police have received a significant number of reports of a ‘bank scam’ targeting elderly and vulnerable residents, particularly those living on their own.

The way the scam works is that you may be contacted by telephone and asked to confirm your bank details including your mother’s maiden name, account numbers, sort codes, card numbers and PIN numbers. You are likely to be told that your bank cards need to be replaced and that a courier will be sent to your address to collect it. Once collected, the fraudsters use the cards the same day to make withdrawals at cash points.

Such calls are part of an elaborate scam. Banks should never ask for any account details or PIN numbers because they already have this information.

Police advise you not to give out any personal or bank details over the phone and not to give away your bank cards. If you receive a call like this, please put the phone down immediately and call police on 999. We are working closely with our colleagues in other London boroughs and Surrey Police to investigate these crimes and to catch those responsible.