Police are advising residents to be on their guard after reports of fraudulent phone calls in Newcastle.
On Monday, September 10, police received a report that a woman in Newcastle received a phone call from someone claiming to be a representative from Newcastle City Council.
The woman on the phone claimed she was doing a survey into bank accounts and asked for bank details. The woman receiving the call refused to give any details.
The city council have received information about similar calls being received in the Newcastle area from someone purporting to be from the council.
In a second incident, on Tuesday, September 11, a woman received a phone call from someone claiming to be from a nuisance phone call company claiming they were taking £50 out of her bank account to prevent nuisance calls. Again, no information was passed to the caller.
Inspector Leigh McManus said: "This is a timely reminder for people to be vigilant. They should never pass their bank details to anyone who cold calls unexpectedly either at the door or over the phone.
"The people in this case have done exactly the right thing by refusing to hand over any details and I'd urge other people to do the same. It's believed those involved are trying to carry out a scam to get hold of people's bank details and remove money from their accounts.
"If anyone is concerned in any way they should make sure they notify their bank, the organisation the person is claiming to be from, and the police.
"We know the city council has received a number of calls from people saying they have received similar phone calls and they have confirmed it is not them making the calls."
The council's Director of Corporate Services, Steve Evans, added: "The city council, or any other credible organisation, would never ring a member of the public to ask them for their bank account details. If anyone gets a call like this they should contact the police or the council immediately."
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 ext 69191.
Page last updated: 13 September, 2012
