Con artists target Hyndburn pensioners (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Con artists target Hyndburn pensioners

9:00am Saturday 21st July 2012 in News

CON artists have been targeting elderly women at their homes to trick them into handing over their bank cards.

Two pensioners from the Hyndburn area were targeted by fake ‘bank fraud investigators’.

The women received phone calls from a person claiming to represent their bank. They were persuaded to give out pin numbers shortly before a woman called at their homes to collect the cards.

A 78-year-old victim who handed over her cards to the woman at her Queens Road West home, in Accrington, had more than £2,000 taken from her accounts.

The second offence was at Edinburgh Drive, Oswaldtwistle on Sunday July 17. On this occasion, the 97-year-old lady received the same ‘bank fraud’ call but when the woman attended to collect the cards, the victim did not allow her entry and she left empty handed.

On both occasions, the woman arriving to collect the cards was described as white, of slim build and with blonde hair.

Patrols have been stepped up in the area and residents are being advised to be extra vigilant.

Sergeant Tim McDermott from Blackburn’s Burglary Team said: “This is a devious scam targeting elderly and vulnerable victims. I would urge that anyone who may know more about these offences, stops to think about the impact on these victims.

“We are leaving no stone unturned in our enquiries but we need the help of the community to catch the offenders quickly.

“Remember, never give personal details, especially bank details, to unexpected telephone callers. Your bank or credit card providers will never ask for your pin numbers over the phone.”

Anyone with concerns about suspicious activity in their neighbourhood is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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