Please share, especially to those not online to warn them to be vigilant to scam calls

Cumbria Police is urging people to be vigilant to fraudsters after a further incident has been reported today (Sept 25) after a victim was encouraged to transfer thousands of pounds to criminals in fake police officer scam.

This follows a warning issued yesterday (September 24) after three other incidents were reported to police of a person pretending to be a police officer to try and gain money.

T/Chief Superintendent Andy Wilkinson said “Police officers will never call you out of the blue requesting to meet to collect cash or ask you to transfer money to an account.

“Sadly, due to the convincing nature of these criminals’ victims have fallen for this scam. In the last two weeks we have had eleven reports of incident to us.

“I would urge anyone who received a call from someone claiming to be an officer and are unsure if its genuine to hang up and call us on 101 to verify their identity.

“If you know someone potentially vulnerable to potential scams please share and remind them of our advice.”

Remember:

• Police officers will never call you out of the blue and request cash or personal information. They’ll never ask you to transfer money to another account, hand over cash or bank cards to a courier, or a pay a fine or fee over the phone.

• If an officer contacts you in person, they will show you their warrant card. This is proof of their identify and authority.

• If someone has called you and you are unsure if they are a genuine police officer, you can hang up and call police on 101 to check their identity.

If you think you have been the victim of a fraud you can report this to police on 101 and to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 – or by visiting their website at www.actionfraud.police.uk.

What to do if you have been the victim of fraud

The first thing you should do if you’ve been a victim of fraud is to contact Action Fraud. You can report a fraud via their online fraud reporting tool, or by calling them on 0300 123 2040.

Online Reporting Tool

If there is a crime being committed right now or if you are in danger you should call the police on 999.

If debit or credit cards, online banking or cheques are involved, your first step should be to contact your bank or credit card company.

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