An elderly Hillside Avenue couple have been conned into handing over their bank card and PIN number, which was later used to purchase £1,000 worth of goods. {!jomcomment}

At around midday on Sunday, February 9, the couple received a phone call from someone claiming to be from a well-known retailer. The caller claimed the couple’s card had been used fraudulently.

They were persuaded into giving out their PIN details, and advised that a courier would arrive at their home to collect their bank card.

Around half an hour later a man duly arrived, took the card, and £1,000 worth of goods was later purchased on the card.

The man is described as:

• Asian
• Around 22 years old
• 5ft 8 tall
• Slim build
• Short, dark, neat hair
• Wearing a grey suit, light coloured shirt and tie.

PC Sophie Hill is investigating: “We are appealing for information about this incident-did you see a man fitting this description in the area of Hillside Avenue on Sunday? If you have been targeted by this kind of scam please contact us.”

Police are also offering this general information about telephone scams:

• Never give your credit or bank card PIN over the phone. This information is never requested legitimately by your bank or the police.
• Never accept offers over the phone “if they sound too good to be true, they usually are”
• Never give personal details over the phone
• Report any suspicious phone calls to your phone company.
• Consider registering your number with Telephone Preference Service (TPS Online) or 0845 070 0707.
• Most telephone providers will block anonymous callers

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.