Scam alert: Fraudsters posing as police officers to con people out of cash

We have received more reports today of scammers who are posing as police officers on the phone to con people out of cash.

Fraudsters often target geographical areas where they know elderly or vulnerable people live, so please let any family or friends who could be vulnerable know about this scam.

The reports have come from South Wingfield, Matlock, Bakewell and Chesterfield.

Different names and reasons are being given in the out of the blue calls to victims, but the fraudsters are telling people that they are a genuine police officer and that they need to call 999 to verify their identity.

After the victim hangs up to make that 999 call, the scammer keeps the line open and manipulates them during the second call- making them believe that their card has been cloned and used in areas of London.

They say arrests are going to be made and convince the caller to assist the investigation by transferring large amounts of money to other accounts.

Officers will never ask anyone to transfer large amounts of money into other accounts to help with any investigations.

If you receive a call like this, you should not give out any personal information and hang up immediately.

Please contact us as soon as possible so we can assess the area that is being targeted, alert the banks and work to protect other local residents to prevent any financial loss.

After ending the call, wait for five minutes or so and make sure you can hear dial tone before calling us on 101.

To call your bank, please use the number found on the back of your card.  All reports of this nature also need to be reported to Action Fraud 0300 120 2040 or online https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

You can contact Derbyshire police via the following methods:

• Facebook – send us a private message to our Facebook page
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Website – We have several crime reporting tools on our website or use our online contact form

If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can also text on 07800 002414 or email us at [email protected]

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.