Police are urging members of the community to be aware of scams targeting residents in the Liverpool area.
Officers from Liverpool City Police Area Command believe residents, usually living alone, could be targeted by people offering to conduct repairs around the home or claiming to be a bank representative.
On Saturday 23 May 2020, police have been told that an 80-year-old man was approached in his home by a man offering to fix his fence for an agreed amount of money. The man was taken to an ATM where he withdrew half of the agreed amount of money and handed it over. The man never returned to fix the fence.
In a separate incident on 19 May 2020, a 61-year-old woman was contacted by a woman over the phone about a bank scam that she was a victim and she gave personal information over the phone to her. The same day a man arrived at her home claiming to be from her bank, where she handed over her bank card after being told the card was corrupted. This card was later used to withdraw an amount of money.
Investigators would like to hear from anyone who has been approached recently or who has fallen victim to similar scams.
Homeowners can safeguard against becoming a victim by following a number of simple tips
• Never let anyone inside you house or unit if you don’t know them
• Always ask for identification – a business card is not enough
• Never keep large amounts of money around the house
• If you are uncertain about the persons credibility, obtain their details and contact NSW Fair Trading
• Banks do not send anyone to your house to collect anything
Further advice and information can be found at the Ageing and Disability Commission website
Anyone with information is asked to contact Liverpool Police Station on (02) 9607 1975 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence.
