A BANK has refunded more than £50k to a Kidderminster food bank after the charity fell victim to "appalling fraud."

Earlier this week, scammers targeted Franche Community Church, tricking pensioners into revealing bank account details. 

Charity treasurer and admin Barbara Guille, and her husband Paul Guille, who is chair of trustees, said they were "devastated" after losing vital funds for the church's food bank.

READ MORE: Kidderminster church and food bank scammed out of £50k

They received a text message earlier this week which said that Barbara was in close contact with someone carrying Covid. 

She was asked to order a PCR test and followed a link to purchase one costing 99 pence. She provided her personal card details to make the transaction. 

The couple said they were later contacted by the scammers posing as bank staff who were aware of the fraud. 

The scammers asked if Barbara had access to any other bank accounts. 

Kidderminster Shuttle: Wyre Forest Food Bank at Franche Community ChurchWyre Forest Food Bank at Franche Community Church

Believing they were there to help, she told them about the charity bank account which contained more than £50k. 

They said the scammers were able to access their computer using the AnyDesk app after further details were given to them. 

Now, the Co-operative Bank has reimbursed them following the fraud. 

A Co-operative Bank spokesperson said: “Following the report from the Franche Community Church of the appalling fraud that has been committed on their account we have refunded all of the money that was taken. 

"Colleagues within the bank also want to show their support for the group’s volunteers who have been distressed by the fraud they’ve experienced, and we will be making a donation towards the great work they do in their local community.” 

Mrs Guille, aged 71, said: "Isn't that amazing? We were quite shocked about that as well. 

"The staff at the Co-operative Bank have been so cross and angry about it they have raised £500 for the food bank."

Mr Guille, aged 69, said: "It was the fact that the food bank was dependent on this money - that was the main concern of ours."