Police have warned that a complex fraud operation is targeting people in Aylesbury Vale.
Victims receive a phone call from an unknown man. He claims to be a police officer and asks for the victim’s bank details by fabricating information about an offence involving the withdrawal of money from the victim’s back account in the London area.
The victim disconnects the phone and dials their bank or police.
However, the fraudster has kept the telephone line open so even though a number is dialed, it is not connected and the victim is still on the phone to the fraudster.
They then ask them to either say or key in their pin, before telling them their card will be collected and a replacement delivered.
Once the fraudster has all the information they need, a courier is sent to collect the card from the victim and a replacement is delivered at the same time, which is not a genuine bank card.
Police said the offender is likely to target elderly or vulnerable residents.
Det Sgt Nicole James, from the economic crime unit, said: “Although the number of these frauds continues to rise, the Thames Valley is not experiencing as many as other parts of the country.
“At this time of year, when people are finishing off their Christmas shopping and using their cards a lot, and when banks are shutting for the Christmas period, people may find this type of call more worrying and hand over their details without thinking.
“The fraudsters who carry out this type of crime are very skilled in portraying themselves as authentic bank employees or police detectives, and make the scam seem genuine by asking the victim to ring their bank.
“Our advice is that, if you receive such a call, end it immediately.
“We would also like to ask residents to let any elderly or vulnerable family members, friends, or neighbours know about the scam.
“Remember, your bank will never attend your home and neither the bank nor the police will ever collect your bank card or ask for your PIN.
“The more we can spread the word about this type of fraud, the less success the fraudsters will have.”
If you need to report a fraud or internet crime contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.