Police are issuing a warning after a pensioner on the Isle of Wight was conned out of more than £3,000.
The 72-year-old victim from Wootton Bridge near Ryde lost £3,525 to a man falsely claiming to be Bob Anderson, a senior investigating officer from the Ministry of Justice.He alleged that there was £37,500 available to the victim, but the Ministry of Justice required a fee for the transaction. The victim then made payments via Western Union transactions, one of which has been sent to India.
Investigating officer PC Paul Spreadbury said: “Police would like the public to be vigilant with unsolicited phone callers, who claim they’re from the Ministry of Justice, and that the people being targeted have money owed to them. Anyone who receives such a call should ask first for the name of the person phoning, the organisation they’re calling from, and their phone number. If you think you are being targeted, ask the caller for as many details regarding the organisation as possible including address. Do not give out any information, and contact the organisation to confirm whether the request is genuine. Where possible, dial 1471 after the call has ended to find out if the caller’s number can be obtained."
Anyone concerned that they have been targeted by a scam can contact either Isle of Wight Council’s Trading Standards on 01983 821000 or the police on 101. Pass any telephones numbers to police as this may help with our investigation. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. Information can be given anonymously by calling the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Furthermore, if you are asked to make such payments, do not give any of your personal details to the caller, and do not send any money. If you believe you have been a victim of this scam you should report the matter to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via their website at www.actionfraud.org.uk
