Warning Regarding Fake Bank Letters

The public should be on the lookout for a sophisticated fraud that involves fraudsters sending fake bank letters.

The convincing letters being sent are a replica template from banks and include their logo, address and signature from a customer service representative.

The letter tells recipients that there have been some "unusual transactions" on their personal account or that there is an outstanding payment that needs to be paid immediately and asks them to call a number highlighted in bold to confirm they are genuine.

Automated messages are then harvesting details.
When victims call the number, an automated welcome message is played and the caller is asked to enter their card number, account number and sort code followed by their date of birth.

Victims are then instructed to enter the first and last digit of their security number.

Sophisticated phishing

The letters are essentially a sophisticated phishing attempt and serves as a warning to consumers to question written correspondence from their banks.

If you are ever suspicious about correspondence from your bank you should call the customer serviced number on the back of your card.

We are asking people to remain vigilant. Please would you pledge to #Tell2 elderly neighbours or relatives who may not have access our community alerts and pass on this advice. Help us to protect others.

To report a fraud and cyber crime and receive a police crime reference number, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online fraud reporting tool.

In an emergency dial 999

Please do not report crime or Incidents via 'Neighbourhood Link' as the messages are not always monitored.

Rebecca Spilane
Fraud Vulnerability Officer
Leicestershire Police

Message Sent By
Rebecca Spilane (Leicestershire Police, Economic Crime Unit,Fraud Vulnerability Officer,Leicestershire)