Colchester councillor raises awareness after nearly being scammed

Dave Harris, councillor for the Berechurch ward, says he almost fell victim to a convincing phone scam on Monday.

Mr Harris received a seemingly normal call from someone purporting to be a representative from Lloyds Bank’s fraud department.

They claimed they were investigating alleged attempts to withdraw £900 from his bank account for an AirBnb and £97 for a dentist.

Mr Harris says the bank's 'representative' said they were checking in to see if he had made the transactions.

Awareness - Mr Harris is now hoping to raise more awareness around scamming and staying safe online and on the phone (Image: Newsquest)

After informing them he did not make the transactions he was told the bank would block his debit card and issue him a new one, but only if he could verify a numbered code which was to be sent to his mobile.

Although the scammer seemed very convincing, even telling Mr Harris the last four numbers of his bank account, sensibly he decided not to divulge any personal information and informed them he would call the bank himself, directly.

The individual then became agitated and abruptly ended the call.

When he called Lloyds directly, the bank confirmed the call was not a legitimate one. It was then Mr Harris realised he had nearly been scammed. 

Talk - Mr harris gave a talk to the Colchester Retired Resident Association (Image: Pixabay)

He said: “I felt so gutted, so vulnerable. I realised how close I was to giving them my information, I was one step away from disaster.”

Since then Mr Harris has delivered an informative speech at the Greenstead Association Social Club, in Blackthorn Avenue, to the Colchester Retired Resident Association.

The talk, which was attended by more than a dozen concerned elderly residents, saw the councillor recount his story as he urged attendees to stay safe and be aware of scams.

He said: “People are out there to prey on the vulnerable. I’m trying to spread the word [and raise awareness].

Informative - Mr Harris' talk was given at the Greenstead Association Social Club yesterday (Image: councillor Dave Harris)

“[People that scam] are the lowest of the low, they are trying to take away someone’s livelihood. It’s an absolute crime and it needs to be dealt with.

“I think with the media, the police, and the neighbourhood watch [we have the right support in place to tackle the issue] but it is all too easy to be conned out of your money and personal details.”

“I would urge anybody who gets calls on the phone, give nothing away, until you are sure you have the right person on the phone.

“We must do all we can to protect vulnerable people as a moment's lapse of concentration can cause such stress."