Stop, Challenge, Protect: Fake Police Scam Alert

FRAUD ALERT

We have been made aware of an incident where a person has been contacted by a male who identified himself as a Police Officer, saying he was from the Economic and Cyber Crime Division. 

During the conversation the male stated that they had someone in custody, who had been stopped attempting to leave the UK and that the victim’s ID and other personal information had been found on this person.  The caller was able to give the victim personal information and asked other questions relating to Cryptocurrency.  The caller later asked the victim to attend their local station the following day to confirm their identity.

These callers can sound very convincing and use official sounding names, badge numbers and on this occasion even provided a Report Fraud reference number to the victim. 

What to do….

If someone calls you claiming to be a Police Officer, before giving any personal information, STOP.  Ask them to confirm their Name, Collar Number and which Police Service they are from.  Say that you will contact them back.  Hang up and call 101 asking for the Police Service they stated and confirm their identity with the control room. 

Genuine Police calls will never be concerned with you confirming identity before proceeding with the call.

If they have called you on a landline we would recommend you wait at least 15 minutes and where possible call from a different phone.  There have been cases where fraudsters keep the line open after the victim has hung up and even playing a false dial tone.  If you are unable to use a different phone, try calling a friend or family to make sure the fraudster is no longer on the line.

Genuine Police will never ask you to confirm banking or cryptocurrency details, identification (such as passport number) PIN codes or passwords.

Genuine Police will never ask you to withdraw or transfer funds from one account to another. 

If you have received a call similar to this, please report it to Report Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.

Please share this advice with family and friends.