We have received the following message from Wiltshire Police:
This is a message sent via Wiltshire and Swindon Community Messaging. This information has been sent on behalf of Wiltshire Police
We are urging residents to be vigilant following a scam reported by two people in Chippenham and Calne this week.
On Tuesday 29 August, two men aged in their 90s received calls from a man claiming to be a detective. The ‘detective’ told both men that money had been taken from their bank accounts and to assist police with ongoing enquiries, they must confirm how much money they had in their accounts and who they bank with. They were then asked to go to a jewellers in Chippenham and purchase a Rolex watch costing approximately £25,000.
When the men queried the validity of the calls, they were told to hang up and call 999. When they had done this, the line was held open and they were given another fraudulent name of a sergeant from Scotland Yard Serious Fraud Squad. Both men were told if they did not co-operate, they would face up to four years in prison for not assisting police.
PC Hazel Anderson said: “In these incidents, one of the men walked to the jewellers to look at watches and the caller waited on the line for approximately an hour. The other man was offered a taxi to transport him from Calne to the jewellers.
“Understandably these incidents were worrying for the two elderly victims – fortunately no money was handed over.
“We’d like to highlight this scam to residents – if you have elderly relatives, neighbours or friends, please speak to them about this scam so they are aware.
“Please also remember never to divulge any personal bank details to anyone over the phone, and if you suspect anything, please call police on 101.”
Katie Bond (Police, Media Officer, Wiltshire)