POLICE today issued a warning of a telephone scam after a number of residents – including two in Warrington – were targeted by fraudsters posing as an internet provider.
Five people were contacted in Warrington, Runcorn, Crewe, and Chester by a man who told them their modem was not compatible with their computer and they owed the provider £200.
The fraudster then requested the victim log onto their bank account to transfer the money before being told a bigger sum had been transferred instead by mistake, which they needed to repay.
As a result of this two of the victims paid a substantial amount of money back to the fraudster.
Peter Lawless, of Cheshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “I want to remind residents to be vigilant when receiving calls from people who claim they are from an internet provider.”
He said people should not be afraid to put the phone down on the caller.
Banks would never asked for card pin numbers or ask people to withdraw money or transfer money to another account.
It should never be assumed that because a caller had some information about you that they were genuine.
People should always be wary of cold callers who suggest you hang up the phone and call them back.
Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of a fraudster should contact their bank or card company immediately.
Anyone who is a victim of the scam should contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 and police on 101.
Police warning over telephone scammers
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