Police warning after Nationwide scam

Police are warning the public to be vigilant after a local man was targeted by fraudsters claiming to be from Nationwide Building Society.

Constable Sara Clements said the man received a number of text messages saying he had been granted a mortgage.

The text messages were followed by a phone call from a person who claimed to be from Nationwide and asked for details to be provided in order to process the mortgage.

She added, “Fortunately the resident refused and contacted Nationwide who were able to confirm that the contact had not come from them and notified their fraud department.

“We were lucky in this case that the recipient was so astute and did not fall for this scam and we want to make sure that no one else becomes a victim.

“Never, ever give out your personal or financial details to unknown callers.”

She explained that legitimate companies and banks will never ask for a full PIN and password online, nor will they ever ask for them by telephone.

“Any unsolicited communication or contact from your bank or another company should be checked. Please contact the bank or company in the event that you are approached by phone. Try and use a separate phone from the one that you have been contacted on as the fraudsters can hold open your phone line and trick you into believing that you are contacting your bank,” said Constable Clements.

“Do not disclose account details or access arrangements with anyone from the bank unless you have contacted them directly.”

Anyone who has been approached or has fallen victim to this type of scam is advised to report it to the bank or company immediately as well as the local police station on the new non-emergency number 101 or in an emergency phone 999.

Action Fraud can also be contacted by telephoning 0300 123 2040 or by visiting their website at www.actionfraud.police.uk/home.

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