Durham police have warned residents that banks may not be liable for any amounts stolen in scams if the account holder gave away bank card details and PIN numbers to scammers.
“By providing both, victims unknowingly violate their contract with the bank, leaving them financially responsible for any losses,” said a police statement.
It reminded residents that banks will never ask for a customer’s debit or credit card, and they will never ask for PIN numbers.
The advisory was issued last year along with a warning to the public about a scam involving fraudsters posing as bank employees and convincing victims to hand over their bank cards and PIN numbers.
The DRPS Fraud Unit had received 41 reports in the first nine months of 2025 with losses of more than $200,000.
Modus Operandi
Victims receive phone calls from suspects who claim to be from their bank’s fraud department. The caller tells the victim that their bank cards have been compromised and instructs them to place their cards — along with their PIN numbers — in an envelope for a ‘bank representative’ to pick up. Victims are told that new cards will be sent out the next day, police said.
Shortly after, a driver arrives at the victim’s home, collects the envelope and then uses the stolen cards and PINs to withdraw money from the victim’s accounts, they added.
How To Protect Yourself
- Never give your bank card or PIN number to anyone.
- Hang up immediately if someone claiming to be from your bank asks for this information.
- If in doubt, call your bank directly using the number on the back of your card — not a number provided by the caller.