POLICE have urged homeowners to beware of telephone calls asking for personal details after a number of residents were targeted by scams.

North Wales Police issued the warning following a “significant rise” in residents receiving automated messages claiming that £600 has been taken from their bank account. They are prompted to press ‘1’ for further information, which connects them to a fraudster.

The victim is then asked to confirm personal details or advised to transfer funds to another account. Once the money is sent there is little chance of getting it back.

Detective constable Rachel Roberts, financial abuse safeguarding officer, said fraudsters attempt to catch their victims off-guard and maintain a credible appearance.

“The people committing these types of fraud are insistent and often don’t give victims time to think,” she said. “They are very persuasive and may have some of the victim’s personal details which make the fraudsters appear genuine.These criminals target the most vulnerable people in our communities in order to scam them out of large sums of money. I would ask that people remain vigilant and to warn relatives and neighbours.”

The force has the following advice for fraudulent calls:

If you receive an automated message claiming there has been fraudulent activity on your account hang up. If you are concerned call your bank on a trusted phone number.

If a caller asks you to move money or have money at your address ready for collection end the call.

Do not give personal details, including banking details, to anyone you do not know either in person, over the telephone, email, or on social media as these details can be used to steal your identity. Beware when cold callers have personal information such as address, date of birth or bank details. Residents should report calls to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.