Camborne and Redruth are currently being targeted by a scam that has cost people thousands, warn police officers.

The nationwide scam has led to many people being defrauded, with the amounts lost ranging from small amounts to over £100,000.

Police say that there are a few variations on a theme, however the general format is that scammers call unsuspecting victims purporting to be an official body, such as the police or bank.

They then convince the victim that there has been some form of fraudulent activity with their bank account. They sometimes claim to have someone in police custody who was found with the victims bank details, or that their account has, or is being used, to withdraw substantial sums of money.

The caller requests bank account details, PIN numbers and other details as a matter of urgency to prevent further substantial financial losses. Even on some occasions suggesting that there savings are transferred to a police bank account for safety.

The caller often invites the victim to hang up the phone and call their bank or local police to confirm events.

What the victim is unaware of is that the caller has maintained an open phone line, so on re-dialling the victim is actually connected to and conversing with the same offender(s) throughout the whole process.

Once having attained all bank details the caller eventually tries to convince the victim to package their bank cards, seal them in an envelope and wait for a courier to arrive and collect.

On occasion the caller also convinces the victim to visit their bank and withdraw substantial sums of cash from their accounts and await further instructions; usually involving a courier as described.

The offender(s) sound professional, use decoding electronic devices as part of the process and even have automated messages and background music if on hold; it is a sophisticated and well planned operation which gives the impression of being wholly genuine.

The offender(s) tend to exhaust opportunities in one particular are of the country before moving to another.

Sgt Phil Binnie from Camborne Police Station, said: "A number of incidents have been reported and recorded in the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary Force area and the Helston and Lizard area has been targeted over recent weeks resulting in some victims losing their life savings.

"Those involved appear to be now targeting the Camborne and Redruth area As a result of this Camborne and Redruth neighbourhood team have been attempting to raise awareness by a poster campaign and going directly to banks and building societies in fact anywhere a money transfer could take place to raise awareness, in addition to locations which people gather or visit."

  • Genuine Police officers & bank staff will never ask for your PIN, bank card or cash over the phone.
  • If you have been a victim call 101/999 if you are vulnerable & need immediate assistance.
  • Allow your landline to clear for five minutes or use another phone to call the police.
  • I would ask that the public discuss this with family members who might be vulnerable to such telephone call or anyone who could be affected.