Hampshire Incidents

Bringing you breaking news from across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

Bank’s quick thinking stops elderly woman being scammed

A Fareham bank’s quick thinking prevented an elderly person being scammed

 

Staff of a Fareham bank’s quick thinking stopped the elderly person from being scammed after Rogue Traders took them to the bank to withdraw funds.

 

The victim was taken by the so-called Traders to withdraw cash for unnecessary garden work.

 

No money was given but unfortunately the suspects left prior to police attendance.

 

Police have advised residents on how to keep themselves safe after receiving reports of rogue traders operating in Hampshire.

 

Rogue traders may say they are in the area and have spotted a problem with your home or garden, may claim to have materials left over from another job, and may try to pressurise you to buy goods or services on the spot.

 

They may also offer to carry out work cheaply, but charge an extortionate price after it has been completed, they may offer to drive you to a bank so you can withdraw money to pass them, and may provide false names, addresses or telephone numbers.

 

Police recommended several tips to stay safe, which include not opening the door if you are unsure of someone’s identity, and confirming the identity of individuals by calling the company they work for.

 

Residents are also advised to ask neighbours to come around to check them before they open the door, to tell them to come back at a time when someone else is home with them, keep doors and windows locked and use a door chain when answering the door.

 

Suspicious behaviour can be reported to the police by calling 101.