WEST Midlands Police have warned people in Coventry to remain on their guard after a national insurance scam has conned more than 200 in the region out of nearly £34,000 this year.
Fraudsters posing as police or other law enforcement agencies are tricking targets by claiming their NI number is ‘compromised’ and obtaining personal details to steal cash.
Just over 200 incidents have been reported in the West Midlands between January and March. Victims have ranged from 19 to 90.
Chloe Guy, from West Midlands Police’s economic crime unit, said: “Unfortunately these fraudsters are still active and looking to prey on people to steal cash.
“They will pose as one of a number of officials and claim their target’s national insurance number is compromised, going to be blocked or needs to be changed. If you are contacted and told to transfer money to avoid this from happening, it is a scam.
“If you receive a call out the blue and the individual is pressuring you to make payment otherwise your national insurance number will be compromised, again it’s a scam, so hang up and report to Action Fraud.
“Remember your bank, a police officer or governmental organisation would never ask you for funds to put towards an investigation. Neither would they ask for funds to restore your national insurance number.”
If you’ve been the victim of a fraud or you suspect one is being attempted, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.