Warning over scam targeting elderly residents in Hampshire

A warning has been issued after three elderly people were conned out of thousands of pounds by fraudsters.
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The scammers have been targeting older residents in East Hampshire in recent weeks and police are warning people to be on their guard.

The fraudsters telephoned their victims, claiming to be police officers who said they were investigating the use of counterfeit money by banks.

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They persuaded their victims they needed to withdraw money from the bank so that it could be tested after being collected by couriers.

Three elderly residents in east Hampshire have been scammed out of thousands of pounds each. Picture: ShutterstockThree elderly residents in east Hampshire have been scammed out of thousands of pounds each. Picture: Shutterstock
Three elderly residents in east Hampshire have been scammed out of thousands of pounds each. Picture: Shutterstock

Three incidents of the scam have been reported between August 7 and August 22 in East Hampshire.

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The fraudsters targeted a man in his 80s from Liphook, a man in his 80s from Petersfield and a woman in her 80s, also from Petersfield, who were all persuaded to hand over cash worth thousands of pounds.

Officers have spoken to all three victims and will follow-up to provide advice and reassurance.

Police have offered the following advice:

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- Please remember that police officers will never call people in this way and ask you to withdraw money or disclose personal or financial information. If someone does do this, please hang up – it will be a scam.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of this type of fraud, report it to police by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, dial 999.

You can make yourself aware of this type of scam and how to protect yourself against them by visiting the Action Fraud website (https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/) or by calling them on 0300 123 2040.