POLICE are warning the public about fraudsters who threaten people with violence if they do not hand over their bank card and pin number.

A 69-year-old man, of High Road, Leyton, received a telephone call from someone claiming to be from the police fraud squad, who said an attempt was being made to withdraw £1000 from his account.

When the pensioner refused to reveal his pin number the caller became abusive.

A woman who was targeted in a similar way was threatened with rape, while another victim was told he would be shot.

There have been 13 similar incidents in north and east London since August and those targeted have all been Asian.

Police say victims all received a call from a man claiming to be from the fraud department of a bank, usually Barclays.

The caller then said he needs to collect the victims bank card for analysis and sends a courier to pick it up.

This is then followed by a series of calls demanding pin numbers - often with a threat of violence.

In some cases, the fraudsters have been successful in stealing money.

Detective Constable Deveci of Chingford police is leading the investigation.

He said: “Although all the victims are Asian, we think the suspects are simply cold-calling people and trying their luck.

“They can sound convincing and have managed to persuade people to hand over their bankcards and PIN numbers.”

He added that courier companies were also being told to be on their guard.

The suspect often gives his name as Raj Patel and gives an 0845 number as his contact. He is described as aged between 20 and 30 with a Bengali accent.

Police are advising anyone who receives a call not to hand over their bank card or PIN under any circumstances as a genuine caller would never ask for these details.

They are also advising people to call their bank to check if they are unsure.

Anyone with information or who has been a victim is asked to contact DC Deveci on 8345 3166 or to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

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