Trading Standards Alert: sworn to secrecy? – is it really the police calling?

In a recent incident, the Bromley resident was asked to hang up and call 999, but  the fraudster who called had not disconnected the call and so the resident was still connected to the fraudster.

They were asked to assist with a police investigation and were told they had signed the Official Secrets Act – and were warned they must not speak about the investigation.

They had been told to lie to the bank about what the money was for.

Afterwards, a courier came and collected the money – the resident believing that it was being delivered to the police. It is often referred to as courier fraud.

This is a scam and you risk losing your money

If you receive this type of phone call:

• Hang up immediately – before the fraudster can persuade you that your money is at risk.
• Make sure the landline has been fully disconnected.
• Leave it a good while (or better still use another phone) and call your bank on 159 to check your account is secure.

Whilst you may think it’s obvious, many people do get caught and the after-effects can be devastating. We politely ask: please tell a neighbour or an elderly relative, a friend, customer or client.  

Report and assistance

Protect yourself and others by reporting incidents.

Report scams to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or at www.actionfraud.police.uk

Visit the Citizens Advice Consumer service for help and advice or call 0808 223 1133.

If you, a neighbour, or someone else you know is being affected by rogue traders or a scam, call trading standards' rapid response on 07903 852 090 or visit www.bromley.gov.uk/scams.

Bromley trading standards

To keep up with the latest scam alerts and warnings from Bromley trading standards sign up on www.bromley.gov.uk/TradingStandardsAlertSignUpForm.

Bromley trading standards also runs a fair-trader directory to help you find a safe, reliable trader that you can trust, visit www.bromley.gov.uk/tradingstandardschecked to learn more.