'Vishing' phone call scams: Watchdog calls for extra vigilance
SCAMS involving vishing or "no hang-up" calls are growing, with the over-55s most at risk.
Vishing scams tend to target the over 55s
During such calls, crooks dupe people into thinking that their money is not safe and that they must withdraw it.
They often tell the victim to phone their bank to check the situation - but then stay on the line and pretend to be the bank when the victim dials the number.
Disturbing new findings have prompted the Financial Ombudsman Service to urge people to warn vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours of the scam.
The Ombudsman has reviewed 200 complaints of no hang-up calls involving losses of £4million.
"Most involved online money transfers. In some cases, people gave away their account and PIN details, or gave their cards or money to fraudsters believing them to be couriers," said a spokesman.
Most involved online money transfers. In some cases, people gave away their account and PIN details, or gave their cards or money to fraudsters believing them to be couriers
Vishing can leave people feeling powerless as often there is little they can do to get their money back. In four out of 10 cases, the Ombudsman found that the banks' response to fraud had fallen short.
If you get a call from someone you do not know claiming to be your bank or the police, hang up.
You should then wait at least five minutes, or use another phone, before calling the number on the back of your bank statement, debit or credit card, to check.
For more details contact the Ombudsman 0800 023 4567/ financial-ombudsman.org.uk.