Quick thinking HERO taxi driver saves elderly woman from fraudsters

Thanks to a concerned taxi driver’s intervention, an unsuspecting pensioner has been spared from becoming a victim of fraud.

Yesterday, a Gateshead pensioner was contacted by con-artists claiming to be from Barclays’ Fraud Office.

As part of the elaborate con, she was tricked into believing she had already been targeted by a stranger trying to make purchases with her card.

The fraudster convinced her that in order to safeguard her money she needed to withdraw £2,000, which she would then post to an address.

The woman, who is in her 80s, rang for a taxi to take her to her nearest Barclay’s branch.

Once inside the car, the driver overheard the woman on her mobile being told by fraudsters that she was not to tell bank staff why she was withdrawing the cash.

Alarmed by the conversation, the driver escorted the pensioner into the branch and flagged down a member of staff to warn them of the situation.

Bank staff were able to intervene and swiftly called officers.

A spokesperson for Northumbria Police said: "This type of fraud is particularly awful as it sees fraudsters deliberately targeting some of the most vulnerable in our communities and preying on their fears.

"In the past few days we have had three similar reports where elderly members of our community have been targeted and asked to withdraw and post large sums of cash.

"Thankfully, each time bank staff have raised the alarm and prevented hard working people from losing out.

"Please take the time to talk to your loved ones about ‘courier fraud’ and help us reinforce the message that a bank will never ask anyone to withdraw cash or send anything via a courier."

If you suspect you or your loved ones have been the victim of fraud or are being targeted, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.