North Yorkshire Police issue warning to businesses after Harrogate retailer targeted in £4,000 gift card scam
Businesses are being urged to stay alert following a gift card scam that has already cost a Harrogate retailer thousands of pounds.
Officers at North Yorkshire Police have issued a warning after a shop in Harrogate was targeted by fraudsters posing as internal IT staff.
The incident happened just days ago when a member of staff received a phone call from someone claiming to be from the company’s IT department.
During the call, the fraudster convinced the employee to activate a number of gift cards and hand over the card details over the phone.
By the time the scam was uncovered, the business had lost around £4,000.
The force’s Economic Crime Unit is now urging retailers to be on their guard, particularly when dealing with unsolicited calls relating to gift cards or callers claiming to be from within the same organisation.
A spokesperson at North Yorkshire Police said: “Always consider checking a phone call is genuine by re-contacting the caller via a recognised number.
"We have a wealth of information on our website about business fraud - what it is, and how to prevent it.”
For more information, visit https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/fa/fraud/business-fraud/