Police warning after sophisticated fraud scam in Sudbury

A sophisticated postal scam involving fake letters claiming to be from banks is being reported around a Suffolk town.

The counterfeit letters, which are being sent in the Sudbury area, tell recipients they have been targeted by fraud and often include instructions that banking services have been restricted as part of an investigation.

The letters frequently reference an investigation by the National Crime Agency (NCA) and request that the customer send back their bank cards, with the promise that further contact will be made.

Police said other red flags include claims that a fraudulent transaction has been detected, mention of blocked bank cards, and requests not to discuss the matter with others.

The letters also typically provide contact details for a so-called fraud adviser and insist the recipient keep the matter confidential.

Suffolk Against Fraud said: "Criminals rely on creating a sense of urgency, fear and authority to gain a victim’s trust."

The organisation urged the public to remember the standard practices of financial institutions and law enforcement.

A spokesman for Suffolk police added: "Your bank, the police, the NCA or any other law enforcement agency will never ask you to transfer money to a 'safe account'.

"They will never ask you to disclose your PIN, online banking credentials or security codes. They will never ask you to hand over or post your bank cards to them.

"They will never ask you to keep a fraud investigation secret from family, friends or bank staff."

Anyone who receives such a letter is advised to independently verify the claim by contacting their bank directly using details from the back of their card or the official website.