New bank scheme prevents more than £100,000 of fraud

A new rapid response scheme has prevented more than £100,000 of fraud in Cumbria, according to police.

The Banking Protocol allows bank staff to identify and protect potential fraud victims when they visit a bank or building society branch.

If they suspect a customer is in the process of being scammed, bank staff can contact police with an immediate priority response to the branch.

Since it was introduced in July 2017 a total of 48 emergency calls have been placed, leading to 13 arrests.

Detective Sergeant Stephanie Goulding is urging family and friends to make others aware of scammers:

The scheme was developed through a partnership between UK Finance, police and Trading Standards.

Across the country the Banking Protocol has now led to a total of 197 arrests and prevented almost £25 million in fraud.

3,682 emergency calls have also been placed and responded to.

Victims of fraud are given extra support through the new scheme to prevent them from becoming a victim in the future.

The Managing Director of Economic Crime at UK Finance added: