Derbyshire Police are reissuing some advice after receiving several reports of elderly people being targeted by scammers who are posing as police officers over the phone to steal cash.
Fraudsters often target geographical areas where they know elderly or vulnerable people live, so please let any family or friends who could be affected know about this scam.
The reports today have targeted people in the Chesterfield area and in one case a victim was defrauded out of thousands of pounds.
Different names and reasons are given to victims during these calls, but fraudsters will tell people that they are a police officer and that the person must withdraw cash and hand it over to support an investigation.
In recent cases taxis have been sent to the victim’s house by fraudsters to take them to the bank to withdraw cash, they are also told to make up a story if asked by the bank’s cashier what the money is for.
Officers will never ask anyone to transfer or withdraw large amounts of money to help with any investigations.
If you receive a call like this, you should not give out any personal information and hang up immediately.
Please contact us as soon as possible so we can assess the area that is being targeted, alert the banks and work to protect other local residents to prevent any financial loss.
After ending the call, wait for five minutes or so and make sure you can hear dial tone before calling us on 101.
To call your bank, please 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/
You can contact Derbyshire police via the following methods:
- Facebook – send us a private message to our Facebook page
- Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
- Website – We have several crime reporting tools on our website or use our online contact form
- Phone – call us on 101
If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can also text on 07800 002414 or email us at deafsms@derbyshire.pnn.police.uk.
You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website.
