POLICE are urging people to ‘be on their guard’ after two women were conned out of £9,000.
Officers investigating telephone fraud arrested a 27-year-old man from London after a woman from Stoneleigh and her sister were conned out of the money on Tuesday October 6.
The victims say a man claiming to be from the police contacted about investigating counterfeit money.
He persuaded the women to withdraw the money and then called them back and got them to read the serial numbers on the notes. The offender said the notes were counterfeit and sent someone to pick them up.
A man was arrested on suspicion of fraud on Friday (October 9) and released under investigation while enquiries continue.
Det Sgt Paul Hainsworth of Warwickshire Police said: “We’ve seen a spike in these types of offences over the last few weeks and we’re urging people to be on their guard.
“It is important people remember the police will never ask you to withdraw money.
“If you receive a phone call you are concerned about say you will call them back – a genuine caller will be fine with this, only fraudsters will put you under pressure to act immediately. Make sure you use a number from the phonebook or the internet, and call back on a different phone as sometimes offenders will keep the line open.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or ring 0800 555 111 to speak to Crimestoppers anonymously.
If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact Action Fraud at https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or call 0300 123 2040.
