Warning of HSBC scam circulating in Guernsey

Police in Guernsey are warning of a banking scam circulating on the island.

The force said it had received 11 reports of the scam, with six people losing "significant sums" of money so far.

Victims reported being called by a well-spoken man with a British accent pretending to be from the HSBC fraud department, police said.

The force warned the scammer claimed to have personal information, including the first four digits of their card.

It said this number, or a close variation, was used for all HSBC current account cards.

In a post on social media, Bailiwick Law Enforcement said: "Once the scammer has the victim's trust, they ask them to move money into different accounts that appear to still be part of the victim's account to 'protect them from fraud'.

"It is during this process that the scammer is able to steal money.

"If you are ever unexpectedly contacted by someone claiming to be your bank, we would advise you are always suspicious.

"If you have any doubts at all, you should hang up and contact your bank through different means, using the number on a printed statement or on the bank's website.

"Before moving any money that your bank is asking you to, always think twice, and pay once. Be cautious and don't let scammers intimidate or scare you into acting quickly."

A spokesperson for HSBC Channel Islands and Isle of Man said: "Protecting customers from scams and fraudsters is a priority for us.

"Our advice to customers if they receive a suspicious call, is to hang up and call HSBC using the number on their card for assistance and do not to click or reply to a message stating it is from HSBC."

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