People are being warned of a new scam which tries to persuade individuals to buy gold and jewelry, in what a major bank has called a change of approach by fraudsters.
HSBC have warned that the scam involves bank customers being told they have been chosen to help with an investigation into the branch, or that members of branch staff are involved in a plan to steal money from the account, replacing it with counterfeit money.
In the latest twist, targets are then persuaded to withdraw large sums of cash and purchase gold or jewelry, which is then handed over to the scammer in person under the pretense that it will be kept safe or used in evidence in court, HSBC said.
To make the scam more believable, fraudsters also may pose as police officers, claiming fraud has taken place on someone’s account.
“Scammers are devious criminals who adapt their approach from time to time, trying to stay one step ahead of banks and the police,” David Callington, HSBC UK’s head of fraud, said.
Tips on how to spot a scammer:
- You may be told you have been a victim of fraud within the bank and should not trust them;
- Fraudsters may claim you are helping a police investigation;
- You may be told you need to buy gold or jewelry to stay safe. Legitimate fraud investigations will not ask you to do this.
If you or someone you know has fallen victim to fraud, you should call the number on the back of your bank card and make a report to Action Fraud.
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