Police are alerting Derbyshire residents, particularly within the postal code areas of SK13, to a scam call they've had an increased number of calls about over the past few days resulting in "significant" financial loss.

The call is from someone pretending to be a police officer, who tells the person who answers that he is a DC Matthew Phillips/PC Christy/Sgt Atkins/PC Rowley (although other names may be given) from a Derby Police Station.  

The caller knows personal details such as name, address, and basic banking details. The victim is asked to stay on the line and dial 999 to verify the ‘police officer’s’ identity, someone will answer the call pretending to be from Derbyshire Police and will then verify the caller.

Due to the fact the victim is asked to stay on the line and dial 999, the call is never terminated and the fraudster remains on the line.

The caller goes on to say that they are investigating the unauthorised use of that person’s bank card at local stores such as M&S and ASDA or banking staff using fraudulent notes.

The use of locations that will be familiar to the victim makes the call appear more genuine.

Secrecy is the key and victims are advised they should not tell anyone about this call as it may jeopardise the police investigation.

Police say they know that this type of call can be linked to courier fraud.

This means that victims will be encouraged to withdraw funds from their bank accounts or Euros from local Bureau de Change to give to a courier, arranged by the ‘police officer’ making the call under the guise of ‘assisting with a police investigation’. 

In recent calls, victims have been asked to purchase high value goods such as iPhones, iPads and jewellery.

Derbyshire Constabulary is warning that police will never contact people asking for banking information or request that you withdraw money from an account to aid an investigation.

Anyone who receives such a call should not give out any personal information and hang up the call immediately. 

Fraudsters often target geographical areas, and anyone can be susceptible to this type of scam, so police are asking people to make family and friends aware of this scam.

If you, or someone you know, receives a call of this nature, you should contact police as soon as possible. They will then assess the area that is being targeted, alert the banks and endeavour to protect other local residents to prevent any financial loss.

• Facebook – send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter – direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website – complete the online contact form www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call 101.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Anyone who is deaf or hard of hearing can also text 07800 002414 or email deafsms@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk

Derbyshire Police advise that on receiving a call of this nature, you should terminate the call, wait five minutes and ensure you can hear a dial tone before calling 101.

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

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