Police appeal following attempted fraud

Police in Plymouth have issued CCTV images of a suspect they wish to identify following a attempted high-value fraud.

On Tuesday 4 March the suspect managed to have all incoming calls to a large Plymouth-based company diverted to another number.

He did so by contacting the company’s telephone provider and masquerading as the company’s managing director.
Shortly after the divert was activated six faxes were sent to the company’s bank requesting money transfers to various UK and overseas bank accounts, totalling almost £1.6 million.

The scam was unsuccessful as staff realised that calls had been diverted and were able to reverse the process before being telephoned by the bank to verify the fraudulent transactions.

The faxes were sent from an internet cafe in Battersea, London and police have issued CCTV images of a suspect they wish to identify.

Police would like to hear from anyone who recognises this man or anyone who has any information regarding the fraud, and ask that they contact Devon & Cornwall Police on 101 quoting police reference EC/14/2121 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or report online at www.Crimestoppers.uk.org.