Residents are warned to beware of a credit card scam that could see them fleeced out of their savings. Wandsworth Council and Wandsworth Police warn of several cases of people receiving a call from someone claiming to be from their bank.

The fraudsters claim the bank's systems have spotted a fraudulent payment on the victim's card, or that the card is due to expire and needs replacing. They then ask you to cancel your card, or 'activate' a new card by keying your PIN into the phone's handset.

He or she may ask you to ring back using the phone number on the back of the card. This lulls victims into a false sense of security but in fact the fraudster keeps the link open at their end, so when you make the call you are connected straight back to them.

An accomplice will then be sent round to your house to pick up your 'cancelled' card, so leaving the conmen in possession of both your card and your PIN. In some cases the fraudsters use a genuine courier, who unknowingly delivers the card to the scammer.

A variation of the scam involves the fraudster claiming to be from the police - again with the aim of going to the victim's home to collect the card and PIN.

Never hand your card over, enter your PIN into the telephone or share your PIN with anyone.

Cabinet member for Community Safety, Cllr Jonathan Cook said:
"We would urge all our residents to be on their guard against this con. Members of the public should never give their bank cards to anybody. Banks will never ask for the card to be handed over to a third party. Anyone with concerns should speak to their bank at the local branch and report it to the police."

If you think you have been a victim, call your bank and tell them what has happened. You should also call the local police on the non-emergency number 101, and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

July 27, 2012>