"Bank fraud detectives" scam islanders with fake investigation

Wednesday 03 January 2018

Fraudsters are targeting islanders by pretending they are financial crime investigators, the Police have warned.

A scam circulating Jersey and the Isle of Man has seen local residents contacted by people who say they are members of the Police’s Financial Crime Unit tasked with investigating bank fraud allegations.

The imposters then ask their targets to pay their money into a ‘safe’ account at Clydesdale Bank, Metro Bank or Halifax Bank.

Apparently, they then tell their victims not to tell their banks about the reason behind the payments due to staff being involved in the fake investigation. 

Police have now been made aware of the scam and are appealing to the public to remain cautious.

In a statement, they said: “As always, our advice is not to give personal details of any kind to any persons or organisations, as they may be claiming to be something they are not.

“No legitimate bank will ever ask you for these details or to transfer money.”