Earlston pensioner scammed out of four figure sum
Published 7 Sep 2012 09:30
0 Comments
POLICE are warning the public to remain vigilant for an ongoing Sky TV scam in the Borders after a pensioner from Earlston lost more than £1000 in cash.
A number of residents across the county have been contacted by persons claiming to be from Sky, who tell them they are due a refund.
To claim these refunds, customers are sent a pin machine and asked to enter their pin.
A woman from Earlston contacted police and handed over the pin reader after receiving it in the post yesterday (Thursday).
However, a 76-year-old man who is also from Earlston placed his card in the machine and entered his pin on a number of occasions resulting in four-figure sum of cash being removed from his account.
A similar incident was reported to police in Galashiels after a 79-year-old woman from the Kingsknowe Village was contacted by telephone and told she was due a refund on her insurance policy for her Sky box.
Officers are now urging anyone who receives a pin-reading device following a similar telephone to contact police immediately.
A police spokesman said: "These callers sound very convincing and have targeted individuals who are currently Sky TV customers.
"However, the public should not be fooled by this scam and should under no circumstances enter their pin into any machine they receive to their home.
"If you are uncertain as to the authenticity of a caller claiming to be from Sky, hang up and dial their customer service number, which can usually be found on your box, or on their website.
"We are keen to hear from anyone else who may have been affected by this con and would urge people to come forward as soon as possible if they believe they have been defrauded."
Anyone with any information can contact Lothian and Borders Police on 0131 311 3131, or the charity Crimestoppers in confidence and complete anonymity on 0800 555 111.
This article appeared in Border Telegraph 09 Sep 12
Return to the main index, get more from this section or browse our News archives.
Border Telegraph Poll
Do you think community councillors should support plans to spend £5,500 on a new lamp post in Galashiels to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee? See this week's Border Telegraph for more details.
This Poll is now closed.
Yes (17.1%)
No (70.7%)
Only if it lights up the whole of Gala (12.2%)
