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High Peak residents warned over scam call linked to courier fraud

High Peak residents are being alerted to a scam call which police say they have had an increased number of calls about in the past few weeks. 

The call is from someone pretending to be a police officer, who tells the person who answers that he is ‘a Sergeant Watson from a London based police station’. The caller goes on to say that he is investigating the unauthorised use of that person’s bank card and advises that the person should not tell anyone about this call as it may jeopardise the police investigation.

Derbyshire Constabulary say they are aware that a number of different names have been used by this scammer including DC Morris, DC Andrews, DC Ryan, DC Clarke and Sergeant Wiggins.

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

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

This means that victims will be encouraged to withdraw funds from their bank account, give bank cards and make purchases of gold bullion or high end jewellery from specified jewellers and give to a courier arranged by the ‘police officer’ making the call under the guise of ‘assisting with a police investigation’.

The police will never contact you asking for banking information or request that you withdraw money from an account, purchase gold bullion or high value jewellery to aid an investigation.

Fraudsters often target geographical areas where they know elderly or vulnerable people live, so police are encouraging people who have family or friends who are vulnerable in any way to make them aware of this scam.

If you, or someone you know, receives a call of this nature, you should get in touch with police as soon as possible. They say 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.

You can get in touch with police via the following methods:

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 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can also text on 07800 002414 or email deafsms@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk

Derbyshire Police advise when receiving a scam call of this nature to terminate the call, wait five minutes and ensure you can hear a dial tone before calling 101. You should also call your bank using 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/

For further fraud advice and prevention information, you can contact your local Fraud Protect Officer by emailing Tammy.Barnes@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk        

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