TSB warns over fake police scam targeting UK pensioners

The bank says older people are increasingly being targeted by criminals, with some victims manipulated for months before losing huge sums of money.

In one shocking case, a customer in their 80s was told by a fraudster pretending to be from their bank that their account was at risk. They were instructed to post their bank card and PIN to a London address “for security reasons”.

Once the fraudsters received the package, they drained £5,750 through cash withdrawals and card spending.

Another pensioner was conned by a fake police officer who claimed their bank account had been compromised. The scammer even arrived at the victim’s home wearing what appeared to be a police badge.

Believing the warning was genuine, the victim handed over their card and PIN -allowing crooks to spend nearly £8,500 in shops and tech stores.

TSB says courier fraud gangs use fear, urgency and trust to manipulate vulnerable victims into surrendering cards, cash and valuables either through the post or by handing them directly to couriers at their doorstep.

The bank has seen a sharp rise in high-value losses linked to courier fraud, particularly cases involving more than £5,000.

George Hulland, from TSB’s fraud prevention team, said the scams are “highly traumatic” and often involve criminals making repeated contact and even visiting victims in person.

He warned: “Neither a bank nor the police will ever ask you to post or hand over your card or cash. If anyone asks you to do this, it is a scam.”

City of London Police also urged the public to stay alert and independently contact their bank or police if something feels suspicious.

Experts say families should regularly check in with elderly relatives and remind them never to share PINs, cards or cash with anyone claiming to be from a trusted organisation.