Police warn of wave of cold calls where scammers are impersonating officers
Police are warning of fraudsters impersonating police officers in a new wave of scam cold calls. Reports have been made indicating that these scammers are using tactics to spook victims into handing over money and personal details. One victim had received a call from someone claiming to be a Chelmsford police officer, providing a badge number and mentioning a fraud case being investigated. However, when asked which bank card was involved, the caller couldn’t provide an answer.
Another resident from Newbury fell victim to a similar scam but did not disclose any bank details. The caller had her name, address, and phone number, and instructed her to call 101. However, when she dialed the number, she heard a recorded dialing tone and realized the scammer was still on the line. She reported the incident to Action Fraud.
Thames Valley Police have highlighted that these scams often involve courier fraud, where criminals pose as police officers and convince victims to hand over cash or valuable items. If a victim refuses to comply, they are threatened with arrest.
Police advise never to disclose financial information over the phone. Some cold calls are random attempts to trick individuals, while others utilize known personal details to sound more convincing. It is important to remember that genuine police officers will never make unsolicited calls asking for personal or financial information. They will not request money transfers, cash or bank cards to be given to a courier, or payment of fines or fees over the phone.
If you suspect you are being scammed, there are steps you can take to report it. On iPhones, you can report a scam call by texting ‘call’ followed by the phone number to 7726. For Android phones, text ‘call’ to 7726, and you will receive a message requesting the scam number. For WhatsApp scam calls, you can block the contact and report it directly through the app.
In the event that you have been scammed, contact your bank immediately using the number provided on the back of your bank card, and report the incident to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040.
As fraudsters become increasingly sophisticated in their tactics, it is crucial to stay vigilant and follow the advice of law enforcement agencies. By being proactive and cautious, individuals can help protect themselves from falling victim to these impersonation scams. Remember, never disclose personal or financial information over the phone, and always verify the legitimacy of any call before taking any action.
