SCAM ALERT: Fraudsters Posing as Police Officers. We’d like to raise awareness about an increasing number of phone scams where fraudsters pretend to be police officers – often claiming to be from the Metropolitan Police or another police force. These callers can sound convincing and use official-sounding names, badge numbers, and even spoofed phone numbers to make their story believable. How the scam works Typically, the caller will say they’re investigating fraudulent activity on your bank account, or that your bank card has been cloned. They may ask you to: Confirm your personal or banking details Withdraw money or transfer funds to a “safe account”. Hand your bank card to a courier who will “collect it for evidence”. Sometimes, they’ll even suggest you hang up and call 999 or your bank – but the fraudsters stay on the line and reconnect you straight back to them.
Important to remember. Police officers will never ask for your bank details, PIN, or passwords. Police will never ask you to transfer money or hand over your bank card. If someone asks you to act urgently or secretly – it’s a scam.
What to do if you receive a call like this Hang up immediately. Do not give out any information. Wait at least five minutes (or use a different phone) before calling anyone back. Report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk. If you have handed over money or banking information, contact your bank immediately. If you believe you’re in danger or the caller is nearby, call 999.
Stay Alert – and spread the word. These scams often target elderly or vulnerable residents, but anyone can fall victim. Please share this information with family, friends, and neighbours. The more people are aware, the harder it becomes for fraudsters to succeed. Remember: Genuine Police Officers will never ask for money or personal banking details. If in doubt, hang up, check, and report. Together, we can help protect our community from fraud and deception.
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