Gwent Police has issued a warning after scam callers targeted residents across the Gwent force area, which includes Caerphilly County Borough.
The scammers phoned residents and claimed to be from a Metropolitan Police “Serious Fraud Unit”.
The scammers claimed residents had counterfeit money and even sent a “courier” to collect the money.
Police said they received the reports on Thursday, August 8.
In a statement, Gwent Police said: “Officers would like to emphasise that the police will never call you to ask you to verify your personal bank details or financial details by phone and we would never seize counterfeit money from you using a courier service.”
Officers would like to speak to the two men pictured in CCTV images as they believe they may be able to help with enquiries.
Anyone with information can contact Gwent Police on 101, quoting log 255 of 10/8/19.
Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
The police also issued the following advice:
- If you get a call which you think might be a scam; Hang up.
- If you need to verify with the police or another organisation that a call isn’t a scam, make sure you do before you give out any financial information or personal details.
- Always make sure you do not use the telephone number the caller gives you to verify whether they are genuine; use a number from a trusted organisation.
- Call your bank back to check, but wait five minutes; fraudsters may stay on the line after you hang up. Alternatively, use a different line altogether to call your bank.
- Never give out your personal details unless you are entirely satisfied that is for a genuine purpose. If you’re unsure, you can contact a friend or relative for advice – genuine callers will not mind waiting for you to check they are genuine.
- If you’ve given your bank details over the phone or handed your card or cash to a courier and you think you’ve been involved in a scam, call your bank straight away. You can also contact Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040.