Telephone fraudsters steal hundreds of pounds from elderly Trowbridge woman (From Wiltshire Times)

Telephone fraudsters steal hundreds of pounds from elderly Trowbridge woman

1:51pm Tuesday 18th September 2012 in News By Chris Melvin

Wiltshire Police is warning people of a scam which conned an elderly Trowbridge woman out of £1,750.

A year ago the victim purchased an electrical item she was told would save her money on electricity bills.

After seeing the item featured on the TV programme Watchdog she was contacted by a company telling her she was entitled to more than £4,500 in compensation.

But, she was told that in order to receive the compensation she would first have to pay solicitors fees.

She did this by purchasing vouchers to the value of £2,200 and then giving the company the voucher numbers over the phone.

A relative intervened before all of the vouchers were redeemed – but almost £1,750 had already been taken.

Police have discovered the vouchers were redeemed in India.

PC Gemma Rutter from the Trowbridge police said: “Unfortunately, scams like this one seem to always target the elderly and most vulnerable in our community.

“Therefore it is paramount that we are all looking out for others in our neighbourhood who may be at risk from such scams.

“Most scams seem too good to be true as they are and many seem very professional and realistic.

“Anyone who thinks they may have also been targeted in this way should contact Wiltshire Police or Crimestoppers where all information can be left anonymously.”

Anyone wishing to report a scam can call Wiltshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.