The Vale of Glamorgan's Police Chief Inspector, Tony Williams has warned of a recent increase in fraud involving older and more vulnerable residents of the county receiving phone calls from individuals claiming to be police officers.
The Vale's MP, Alun Cairns, has also taken to his social media accounts to warn residents of the disturbing rise in recent days, with three reports of this occurring in Cowbridge, yesterday.
Cairns reminded residents of a similar spate of phone-based fraud from 2019 where residents of Penarth and the Vale were targeted. An 18-year-old male from London who was part of an organised crime gang was convicted of the crime.
Victims in Cowbridge yesterday were contacted by somebody claiming to be a police officer in Brixton. They were told that somebody had attempted to use their bank cards, which the scammer said had been cloned, to buy a laptop in an Argos store. They then asked them to contact 101 and during that call they were asked for personal details, including bank details.
Unfortunately, one of the victims of the recent cluster of scam phone calls handed over £5,000 to the caller. The CID are currently investigating the issue and will be working with the banks and engaged in community messaging and reassurance while that continues.
In a post on their Facebook account, South Wales Police urged people to be vigilant and look out for their elderly relatives. They also said that anybody who suspects that they or a relative has been targeted should immediately contact 101 or contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
Ben Dain-Smith currently presents afternoon shows and writes online content for Bro Radio.
You can email Ben at: ben.dain-smith@broradio.fm
