Bank Staff Help Prevent Over £330,000 Of Fraud In Leicestershire

More than £330,000 of fraud has been prevented so far this year by Police in Leicestershire working closely with banks.

In March a 94-year-old woman went into her branch in Market Harborough asking to withdraw £8,000, after being phoned by a scammer claiming to be investigating problems with her account, who told her to handover money for checks.

Staff became suspicious and called Police before handing any cash over.

More than a hundred calls were made to officers by bank staff in the first six months of this year as part of the Banking Protocol scheme.

Since the scheme was launched locally three years ago, 17 individuals have been arrested.

No-one has yet been arrested for the attempted fraud on the 94-year-old.

A range of scams that trick victims into withdrawing cash from their branch have been prevented through the scheme, including courier scams, romance fraud and rogue traders.

Paul Wenlock from Leicestershire Police’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “This scheme is hugely beneficial and the figures for the value of fraud it’s prevented speaks volumes.

“Across the country that figure is in excess of £19 million for just six months of this year.

“The Banking Protocol wouldn’t be as successful if it wasn’t for the bank staff who spot the signs.

“Their diligence has helped so many people from losing thousands of pounds.”

Further information on how to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of these offences can be found here.