Coney Hall Village Residents' Association (CHVRA)

Protecting yourself against phone scams

Bromley Trading Standards is reminding people to be wary of unexpected phone calls from people falsely claiming to be from the police or the bank, following local reports of courier fraud activity.

Here’s how it usually happens:

  • When fraudsters pose as the police, they typically ask people to help in ‘police investigations’ by withdrawing cash, buying foreign currency or expensive items. They may have some personal information which makes it sound genuine.
  • When they pose as the bank, they may ask you to withdraw money, and not to talk to anyone about it. They’ll also give false reasons to give the bank, if the bank contacts you with questions.
  • The fraudster will then send a courier to collect cash, jewellery or bank cards and they will promise that this will be reimbursed. This is not true.
  • They will often use the bank cards to quickly buy expensive items before the card can be cancelled.

There are other examples of how fraudsters trick people, such as:

  • Your bank needs to issue a new card
  • Money has been removed from your bank account and staff at the local branch are responsible
  • Suspects have been arrested but the ‘police’ need money as evidence
  • A business is operating fraudulently, and they need your help to secure evidence

How to protect yourself

If you receive a phone call from one of these fraudsters, the Trading Standards advice is to HANG UP immediately, before the fraudster can persuade you that your money is at risk; they can be very convincing. Even if they have certain information, be careful not to assume this is genuine.

Never hand over your bank cards or valuables. If your card is cancelled, destroy it yourself. Call your bank on 159 to check your account is secure – leave it a good while or use a different phone. Fraudsters can trick people into thinking they are speaking to the bank, but in reality, the fraudster is still on the line. 

More information on courier fraud is available on the Action Fraud website and the Take Five to Stop Fraud website.

How to get help and more information