Police are urging residents to be vigilant after an elderly man was almost conned out of thousands of pounds by a telephone scammer pretending to be a police officer.

The incident happened in December 2019 when the man aged in his 80s and living in the Roughton area received a call on his landline from a man claiming to be a police officer. The suspect told the victim that a member of his family was in trouble with the police and that in order to help him out, he would need to withdraw £5000 from his bank account. The victim was told a plain clothed officer would be over the following day to collect it.

When raising his concerns about the legitimacy of the call with a neighbour, they both contacted the police who confirmed it was a telephone scam. No money was stolen as a result of the incident.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have received a similar type of telephone call or has any information about these incidents. Anyone with information should contact Norfolk Police on 101 quoting crime reference number 36/86493/19.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

Residents are reminded that the police never ask you to withdraw money or purchase items. In addition:

• Your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN, bank card or bank account details over the phone – never give these details to anybody.
• Neither the police nor the banks will send a courier to collect money from you.
• Always request Photo ID and if unsure call the police.
• If you’re asked to telephone a bank, then always do it on a different phone to the one you were contacted on. Fraudsters will keep the line open and have been known to play ring tones, hold music and a recorded message down the phone so the victim believes they are making a call to a legitimate number. Use a friend or neighbour’s telephone instead.
• Never download any software suggested by caller.
• Do not rush into complying to the scammer’s demands/requests.

Friends, family, carers and neighbours are asked to spread the word to ensure everyone is aware of this scam and what they should do.