11:00am Friday 27th July 2012
By Chris Adams
BOGUS callers have been targeting elderly people in Rossendale and stealing bank details, police say.
Two female pensioners in Haslingden and Stacksteads have been tricked by the culprits, who are described as Asian males in their 20s.
In both instances, the victims received a phone call from a person claiming to be calling on behalf of their bank.
They then persuaded the victim to disclose their personal identification numbers to their cash cards and shortly afterwards a man attended the address to collect the cards.
The first incident took place at an address in the Stacksteads area on July 12, when an 85-year-old woman handed over her cards and had £1,341 taken from her account. The second offence, at an address in Haslingden on July 19, saw £250 taken from the account of a 79-year-old pensioner.
Patrols have been stepped up in the area.
And residents are being advised to be extra vigilant. Sgt Joanne Daly said: “This is a devious and heartless crime where elderly and vulnerable victims have been preyed upon.
“We believe these incidents may be linked to a number of offences in the Hyndburn area involving elderly residents. I do believe that someone out there must know something about these offences.
“And I urge anyone who does to stop and think about the impact on these victims.
“We will carry out a full and thorough investigation to identify the people responsible but we need the help of the community to catch the offenders quickly.
“Our advice is always that you should never give personal details, especially bank details, to unexpected telephone callers, even if they seem plausible.
“Your bank or credit card providers will never ask for your PIN over the phone.
“So if anyone does call and ask for this information, just hang up.”
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