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People in Glossop and Hadfield targeted by scammers impersonating police officers

More Derbyshire residents, this time in the Glossop and Hadfield areas, have been targeted by fraudsters pretending to be police officers.

Derbyshire Constabulary first brought this scam to people's attention a couple of weeks ago but since then, more residents have fallen victim.

The force is urging people to share the warning with friends and family to help protect older people in the community, who are typically targeted. 

The scammers claim to be a DC Matthew Phillips, PC Christy or Sergeant Atkins from a police station in Derby. They already know personal details, such as the resident’s name, address and basic banking details. Police say this is not an exhaustive list of possible names or police stations that could be used by scammers.

The victim is asked to stay on the line and dial 999 to verify the identity of the ‘police officer,’ however 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 original call is never terminated and they remain in contact with the fraudster at all times.

The caller goes on to say that he is investigating the unauthorised use of that person’s bank card at local stores such as M&S and Asda. 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 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.’

People are reminded that the police will never contact you 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.

Police advise to 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 0300 120 2040 or online https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/

If you, or someone you know, receives a call of this nature, people should contact Derbyshire Police as soon as possible.

The force 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 also call 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

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