Elderly Residents in Grimsby Targeted by Impersonating Police Officer Scam
Elderly residents in the Grimsby area have fallen victim to a disturbing scam in which an impersonator poses as a police officer. This individual, claiming to be from another police force, contacts unsuspecting victims and informs them that a person connected to each of them has been detained. To make matters worse, the scammer then instructs the targeted individuals to withdraw money or provide their bank details.
Humberside Police have confirmed that this imposter is not a genuine law enforcement officer and are urging the public to remain vigilant. Detective Inspector Simon Archer, of Grimsby CID, issued a warning, stating, This is a scam. We want to raise awareness that this scam is happening in our area to avoid anyone else becoming a victim. The police would never call asking for money or bank details.
Sadly, scams like these can have devastating consequences, particularly for elderly individuals who may be more vulnerable to manipulation. It is crucial for everyone to be aware of the tactics employed by fraudsters and to take necessary precautions.
The police have provided the following guidelines to protect against falling victim to scams:
1. Do not disclose personal details or banking information during a phone call.
2. Genuine representatives from the police or the bank will never ask you to provide such information.
3. Be wary of unexpected calls purporting to be from law enforcement agencies and asking you to participate in investigations that involve withdrawing money from your bank or purchasing high-value goods.
4. If you doubt the legitimacy of a call, hang up and call your bank back using a known and trusted number. Alternatively, contact the police on 101, ensuring you use another phone or wait at least five minutes before making the call.
5. Criminals can keep the phone line open for several minutes after you hang up the phone, thereby enabling them to potentially re-engage with you or their accomplices.
It is crucial for individuals to exercise caution and vigilance to protect themselves from falling victim to scams. By remaining alert and following the advice and guidelines provided by law enforcement agencies, we can collectively work towards combating this criminal activity.
If you believe you have been a victim of fraud, it is vital to report it immediately. You can contact Action Fraud or dial the non-emergency number 101. If you have any information that could assist in identifying those responsible for these types of offenses, you can also contact the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
This scam serves as a stark reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and being wary of unsolicited phone calls. By taking appropriate precautions, we can strive to protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling victim to these unscrupulous individuals.
