Rochdale police officers warn against fraud

Police are warning people against fraud where the fraudsters are able to gain remote access to a victim’s laptop, then con them out of cash.

21 October 2020

By Flora Byatt

Police in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, are warning people against fraud where the fraudsters are able to gain remote access to a victim’s laptop, then con them out of cash.

They said: “While the victim was using their laptop a notepad has popped up on their screen which stated that multiple issues have been detected with the victim’s router and because of this they are entitled to a £500 refund and a new router.

“The fraudsters state that the £500 refund will be paid as two £250 transactions, the victim was asked to respond and confirm the first amount of £250 can be paid by typing £250 in the box on the notepad and this will then be authorised immediately.

“The victim typed £250 in the box correctly however the fraudsters have deliberately added another 0 to the amount making it appear that the victim has typed and confirmed the incorrect amount of £2,500 instead of £250.

“The fraudsters have then claimed that the victim has made an error and taken too much money as £2,500 has automatically been paid out and this cannot be recalled electronically.

“The fraudsters demand that the victim go to the bank and withdraw £2,000 cash to repay the money sent in error and then post it to an address provided to them by the fraudsters.

“The fraudsters ask the victim to package the cash in a certain way which includes wrapping the money in tin foil, then newspaper or a magazine before placing the money in a small box which is to be well sealed.

“This is then to be sent via ROYAL MAIL special delivery so the parcel can be tracked by the fraudsters.”

Information and guidance on what to do if you believe you have been a victim of fraud can be found by clicking here.

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