RESIDENTS across south Worcestershire are being warned to be on their guard against criminals calling them up and claiming to be from the police.
There have been two reports in the southern half of the county where people have been contacted by supposed police officers from London investigating fraud on their bank accounts.
Advice to protect against scam calls
West Mercia Police are reminding people that no police officer from any force or department and no bank or other organisation would ever ask residents to make payments, withdraw or transfer cash or ask for bank details.
Even if the bogus caller sounds convincing and provides the recipient with all of their correct details, it can still be a scam.
People are urged – if they have any doubt – to hang up, wait ten minutes and call whatever company the person is claiming to be from and ask directly if the check is legitimate.
Those with elderly or vulnerable relatives, friends or neighbours are also urged to share this message with them to help keep them safe. These scams can be extremely convincing and manipulative.
Incidents like these are being tackled as part of Operation Prospero, which directly targets offenders posing as police officers, working in conjunction with Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cyber-crime reporting centre.
Visit: https://orlo.uk/yIer0 for more information from the police on scams and fraud.
Anyone who thinks they may have been contacted by a bogus police officer should call 101 or report it to: westmercia.police.uk – the West Mercia Police website.
Anyone in immediate risk should always call 999.
