Trading standards officers are teaming up with high street bank staff to help stop doorstep scamming in Nottinghamshire.
Officers are asking workers to look out for unusual transactions and visits which could be fraudulent or made while the account holder is being conned or pressured.
In some cases scammers have been giving lifts to their victims so they can take cash straight out of the bank and hand it to them.
Nottinghamshire County Council says the plan to help staff spot dodgy transactions is helping already helping officers in several current investigations where victims are customers with one of the four banks and building societies.
Common scams – typical tricks seen by trading standards
- Rouge tradesmen – asking for cash upfront before so-called ‘work’ begins
- Advance fee schemes – paying money and being promised something of greater value and then receiving little or nothing in return
- Lottery schemes – emails or letters promising winnings if an administration fee is paid
- Share sale fraud – offering worthless or high risk shares over the phone
RBS is one of the banks involved in the partnership and the area director for Nottingham Lisa Walker says customers are often targeted by conmen.
She said: “Keeping our customers’ finances safe and secure is a key priority.
“Collaborating with industry partners is vital as are our community protection advisors who, this year alone, have protected over £70m of customers’ money from fraudsters.
“We are constantly working on innovative ways to protect them and limit the negative impact fraud and scams can have on customers.”
They are often driven to the bank
Chair of the county council’s community safety committee Glynn Gilfoyle said: “Many older and vulnerable consumers fall victim to scams, rogue workmen or plausible sales people who then demand large amounts of money.
“They are often driven to the bank to withdraw the cash.
“Gaining the consent of a vulnerable bank customer is paramount with this partnership approach as the banks will only inform us about concerns of specific individuals.
“We hope to work with more high street banks over the coming months to speed up our scam investigations and increase the reporting of scams affecting vulnerable residents.”
