POLICE and banks are working together to foil fraudsters.
A Banking Protocol introduced by Warwickshire Police has saved around 50 potential fraud victims in the county from losing a total of £227,000 since being introduced 15 months ago.
The protocol – a partnership between the finance industry, trading standards and the police – encourages bank staff to call police if they believe a customer is being scammed or exploited.
Det Insp Emma Wright said: “It is great news that so many incidents have been triggered and been successfully responded to by police.
“The scheme has stood in in the way of fraudsters getting their hands on a significant amount of money, often from elderly or vulnerable people.
“There are numerous investigations still ongoing as a result of the Protocol, which we hope will have a positive outcome in terms of bringing those responsible to justice.
“This is exactly the season when fraudsters know that shoppers’ guards are down, making them particularly vulnerable to scamming. People should never give money to someone they don’t know and should be on their guard. Don’t let the fraudsters spoil it for you.”
Katy Worobec, managing director of economic crime at UK Finance, added: “This kind of joined-up approach is crucial to stay one step ahead and ensure that unscrupulous scammers preying on customers are brought to justice.”
