SCAM callers have prompted a police warning after they attempted to con an elderly Leamington man.
The man was told he was due compensation because of problems with his computer and the scammers asked for his credit card details.
But instead of giving him a refund, the scammers attempted to withdraw cash.
Fortunately the bank blocked the transaction.
The incident follows a spate of attempted scams in nearby Rugby with three people being targeted in one week.
And although two of the three victims realised it was a scam, one did transfer money only for it to be stopped again by the bank.
Police are now urging members of the public – particularly the elderly – to be on their guard and avoid giving out personal details over the phone.
They say fraudsters are posing as internet providers in a bid to scam people and often begin by asking the victims if they have been having difficulties with their internet.
If they say yes, they ask for remote access to their computer and once they have accessed the computer, they will state there is a problem and they are due compensation.
The scammers tell the victims to log into their online banking to see if the money has been transferred to them, but the amount will be more than the caller has said.
They then say this is an error, and claim the money needs to be transfered back to them either through a MoneyGram at the post office or via the Western Union.
Detective Constable Robert Ewington said: “These scammers will often target those who are vulnerable or elderly, convincing people they are due compensation.
“We would advise people that if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is and by giving the fraudsters remote access to your computer, you are leaving yourself open to cyber fraud.
“If you receive a call like this, please do not engage with them. Hang up and report it to be police by calling 101.”
