CLEVELAND Police have urged Hartlepool people to be extra vigilant if contacted unexpectedly by someone purporting to be from the Financial Conduct Authority (The FCA).
This follows several reports in Cleveland where the victim has been requested to cooperate with an “operation” to identify fraud within their bank.
As part of this, the victim is then asked to either transfer their money into a “safe account” or attend their nearest branch and obtain a large amount of money which will be then collected by a courier for safe-keeping.
A spokesperson said: “We are encouraging all members of the public to: STOP! Think Fraud…
- Recognise and break the suspicious contact – the FCA, bank or law enforcement would never ask people to obtain money from their bank account, transfer funds or ask them to buy something of value.
- Stop and check official contact routes – either through official routes, or by making contact with the family to check. Always check that the call has been disconnected or use another phone.
- Report the incident to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or police by calling 101. Always call 999 in an emergency.
- Seek some support and monitor accounts for any suspicious activity.
