Police praise taxi driver’s quick-thinking actions after pensioner prevented from falling for scam

Police have praised the actions of a quick-thinking taxi driver who prevented a pensioner from falling for a scam.

A Gateshead pensioner had been contacted by con artists claiming to be from Barclay’s Fraud Office, and hopped in the taxi of Ronnie Naylor to get to the bank.

But after overhearing the woman talk of withdrawing £2,000 and posting it to a “safe” address, the taxi driver intervened and informed bank staff of the scam.

Bank staff were able to intervene and prevented the pensioner from becoming a victim of fraud.

Earlier this week, Naylor, along with bank staff Hemant Kantak and Lance Hardy, were given a certificate of thanks by Northumbria Police Chief Constable Winton Keenan.

Northumbria Police Detective Inspector Chris Riley, who presented the certificates, said: “The actions of these three men have helped safeguarded an elderly woman and keep fraudsters from gaining access to her money - I was honoured to be able to present them with a small token of our appreciation.”

The presentation comes as Northumbria Police supports Courier Fraud Week, a national campaign to raise awareness of this type of fraud and how to protect yourself and your loved ones.

In 2021 alone, 3,625 people were victims of courier fraud, with total losses tallying up to more than £15.2million.

DI Riley added: “This type of fraud sees offenders deliberately target some of the most vulnerable and prey on their fears.

“It is essential that the public take the time to talk to your loved ones about courier fraud and help us reinforce the message that a bank will never ask anyone to withdraw cash or send anything via a courier.”

“If you receive a call like this do not interact with them - hang up and report it immediately.”