Fake police phone call scam warning
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We have seen an increase of calls from fake police officers asking people to give money to couriers for a hoax investigation.
Fraud Protect Officer Tammy Barnes said: “These callers pretend to be investigating a crime involving the victims’ card or bank account.
“They then ask for money transfers, or even for cash withdrawals or bank cards to be given to a courier, to ‘assist with the investigation.’ Which the police will never do.”
“We also know that these fraudsters can target geographical areas where they know elderly or vulnerable people live, so please spread this message far and wide.”
The cold calls will give a fake name – potentially one of these:
- DI Cameron
- DS Cooper
- DC Matthew Phillips
- PC Smith
Another warning sign is that the fake officer says not to share any details of the call with anyone as it risks jeopardising the police investigation, this is to apply pressure to the victim to comply and not ask for help.
It’s also important to note on previous occasions the caller has asked the victim to call 999 to verify their claims but instead remains on the line to complete the scam.
We are currently seeing a high number of these calls in Shirebrook.
If you receive a call like this – hang up and contact us to report it as soon as possible. We can then assess where is targeted, alert banks and prevent other scams:
- Facebook – send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
- Twitter – direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact
- Website – complete the online contact form.
- Phone – call us on 101.
If you wish to phone us to report, wait five minutes after ending the scam call and make sure you hear a dial tone before calling 101.
You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.