This Morning: Woman in tears recalling getting scammed
Every bank, investment company and credit card issuer now has no choice but to have a major division dedicated to fraud prevention and they are being run off their feet. So, a few words of explanation and warning.
The first approach will probably be when your phone rings to reveal a warm, comforting and reassuring voice, almost always male, claiming to be from your credit card or bank. He will already know quite a bit about you – these swine prepare carefully. But you would be amazed at the number of our personal details that are available with skilled research. Electoral rolls reveal our names and addresses.
It may be you went to the ATM machine to draw money. There was a well-dressed man near you, seemingly buried in a newspaper. He noted the company you bank with and maybe your pin number as you tapped it in.
The voice on the phone will tell you his department has spotted scamming attempts and among the targets your name came up. To make sure your life savings are untouchable he just needs to confirm a few details. He will reel off your name and address, and maybe even your pin number – the eagle-eyed “gentleman” next to you at the machine was his colleague. They work in teams. But he just needs to confirm that you are who you say you are and that means confirming a few more ID numbers.
If you fall for it, you might let slip the vital access code that authorises a massive transfer of your funds. If you are a woman his…
