Latest banking protocol prevents losses worth hundreds of thousands of pounds

The Banking Protocol is a UK-wide scheme that enables bank branch staff to alert their local police force when they suspect a customer is being scammed. Police will then visit the branch to investigate the suspected fraud and arrest any suspects still on the scene.

Branch staff have been trained to spot any warning signs that suggest someone may have fallen for one of these scams and make an emergency call to the police. Some 66 calls were made in the first six months of this year in South Yorkshire through the scheme, preventing losses totalling £329,746.36.

A range of scams that trick victims into withdrawing cash from their branch have been prevented through the scheme, including courier scams, romance fraud and rogue traders.

Locally, cases have included an incident in April in Doncaster, where an elderly man is reported to have tried to withdraw thousands of pounds from Nationwide in the town centre in suspicious circumstances.

Following a Banking Protocol report, a 53-year-old Doncaster woman was arrested on suspicion of theft, and a 26-year-old Doncaster man was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods. Both suspects have been released under investigation as enquiries continue.

PC Gavin Johnson, the Banking Protocol specialist on South Yorkshire Police’s Fraud Co-ordination Team, said: “The Banking Protocol is a brilliant partnership between police and the banking industry. In the first half of this year alone, it has prevented hundreds of thousands of pounds from falling into the hands of cruel criminals who are targeting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

“In South Yorkshire, the reports we received in the first half of 2020 from local bank branch staff have also resulted in some 30 safeguarding referrals, meaning people who may need extra help, support or care will now get access to the agencies and partners who can provide this.”

Katy Worobec, managing director of economic crime at the UK Finance trade association, said: “It is sickening that criminals are preying on elderly and vulnerable victims during this difficult time. Bank branch staff and police on the frontline are doing a heroic job in stopping these cruel scams and helping bring those responsible to justice.

“It’s vital that people always follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign, and remember that a bank or the police will never ask you to transfer funds to another account or to withdraw cash to hand over to them for safe-keeping.”

UK Finance has published these top tips from the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign on how to stay safe from these scam types. The campaign urges consumers to remember that criminals are experts at impersonating people, organisations and the police, and urge you to remember to:

- Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

- Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

- Protect: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk