FRAUDSTERS posing as police officers have been targeting the elderly in a new scam,
In the last week elderly residents in Stratford, Long Itchington and Wellesbourne have received calls from people pretending to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
In the last week a number of calls have taken place where people are told the caller is from HMRC and they owe money.
One 85-year-old man was contacted by someone pretending to be from HMRC who told him he owed more than £4,000 and threatened to arrest him if he didn’t pay within an hour.
The man became suspicious and hung up before reporting the incident to the police.
Insp Julia Brealey from Warwickshire Police said: “This is very worrying that elderly and vulnerable people in our community are still being targeted with scams like this.
“The victims in these instances have at least realised it is a scam and have not been fooled into handing money over.
“I would urge everyone to be very suspicious of this type of call and make sure that their elderly and vulnerable family, friends and neighbours are aware of this.”
Call 101 to report any suspicious incidents or ring 0800 555111 to speak to Crimestoppers anonymously.
