South Wales Police are urging people to stay alert after an elderly woman from Cardiff was tricked into handing over thousands of pounds in cash and sentimental jewellery to someone pretending to be a police officer.
The victim, who is in her eighties, was targeted on Friday November 28 after receiving a phone call from a man claiming to be an officer. She was told to withdraw twenty thousand pounds from her bank and was then given instructions for the money to be collected from her home.
A man has now been charged in connection with the incident. Cleonest Masser, aged 20, from Pentwyn, has been charged with fraud by false representation.
Detective Inspector Bob Chambers from South Wales Police said it is vital that people remain cautious in the lead up to Christmas and keep an eye on older relatives who may be more vulnerable to scams.
He explained that fraudsters are using a range of tactics to obtain bank details and other personal information. He urged the public not to click on any links in messages claiming to be from their bank and to delete them straight away before contacting their bank directly.
He added that officers will never ask anyone to confirm bank details through social media, withdraw cash or hand over money.
Police are reminding the public not to share banking or personal information with anyone they do not trust and to protect sensitive details at all times. Advice on staying safe from scammers can be found at https://shorturl.at/h4202
Anyone with concerns or information is asked to contact South Wales Police online at https://www.south-wales.police.uk/ro/report, call 101, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Call 999 in an emergency.
