Police are urging residents to be on their guard after an increase in reports from across Derbyshire of scam calls trying to defraud people out of money.
The scam call is from someone pretending to be a police officer who tells the person who answers, on some occasions that they are calling from the Serious Fraud Investigations Unit, and on others that they are an officer calling from London.
The caller goes on to say that they are 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 says it's aware that a number of different names have been used by the scammer - including DC Morris, DC Ryan, PC/DC Clarke and Sergeant Wiggins.
Anyone who receives such a call is being told NOT to give out any personal information and hang up the call immediately.
Police say they are aware this type of call can be linked to courier fraud, meaning that victims will be encouraged to withdraw funds from their bank account or give bank cards to a courier, arranged by the police officer making the call under the guise of assisting with a police investigation.
The force say it will never contact people asking for banking information or request that you withdraw money from an account to aid an investigation.
It adds that fraudsters often target geographical areas where they know elderly or vulnerable people live, so police are encouraging anyone with family or friends who are vulnerable in any way to make them aware of this scam.
Anyone who receives a call of the nature described above is asked to contact police as soon as possible.
Police say it will then assess the area being targeted to alert banks and protect other local residents to prevent any financial loss.
You can get in touch 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 derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call us on 101, or contact 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
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, you should use the number found on the back of your card. All reports also need to be reported to Action Fraud on 0300 120 2040 or online at actionfraud.police.uk/
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