This just in from the police. Ed
Police are renewing an appeal for information to help identify a man suspected of links with an alleged fraud on the Isle of Wight.
Officers are continuing to make enquiries into at least three recent reports from post offices across the island.
Callers are Scottish
Investigating officer PC Jamie Dupey of the Isle of Wight’s Targeted Patrol Teams (TPT) said: “It’s been alleged phone calls are made to post offices by men speaking with a Scottish accent.
“They claim to be working for a legitimate bank, and give details of bank accounts belonging to customers who have lost their cards.
“The suspected fraudsters then say the affected customer will be visiting the post office shortly with a cheque from the bank so they can collect emergency money.
“A contact phone number is provided by the fraudsters so their bogus identity appears genuine.
“A majority of staff targeted at post offices on the island have remained suspicious, and no money was handed over.
“However, on one occasion, a man was able to obtain £2,800 from a post office on the island by using this scam.”
Several lines of enquiry
Police are pursuing several lines of enquiry because this scam is believed to have affected post offices across the country.
CCTV footage of a potential suspect has been obtained from Pan Stores post office on the afternoon of Thursday, August 12, 2010.
PC Jamie Dupey added: “I would like to thank everyone who has helped the police with the investigation so far. We are renewing our appeal for assistance with this CCTV image of a possible suspect, who someone may recognise.”
Get in touch
Anyone with information about this man’s identity or the scam is asked to contact PC Dupey at Newport police station by phoning 101. Mini-Com users can call the police on 01962 875000. From outside Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, call the police on 0845 045 45 45. Information can be given anonymously by phoning the independent Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.
Image: Atilla 1000 under CC BY 2.0
