Fake Police Calls Trick Victims into Handing Over Cash
Crooks posing as police officers are ringing up members of the public with a chilling warning: their bank accounts are targeted by scammers. The con? Victims are told to withdraw large sums of cash for a “police inspection,” with a fake officer sent to collect the money in person.
Scam Shifts to Family Drama to Pressure Victims
In another cruel twist, fraudsters claim to be police from outside South Yorkshire. They tell victims a relative is in custody and pressure them to give up cash or hand over bank details to a “safe account” to help their loved one. The scammers even advise victims to deceive bank staff by saying the money is for a relative.
South Yorkshire Police Issue Stern Warning
“These calls are not genuine, and police officers will never ask you for personal banking information over the phone, or ask you to withdraw cash. Our officers, and officers from forces across the country, will never call you and ask for personal details in this way,” a South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said.
“If you have received a call and you are unsure if it is genuine, hang up the phone and call us back on 101 from a different phone to double check. If you don’t have an alternative phone available, ask a relative or trusted friend to call us, or wait at least 30 minutes after you have hung up before you call us back as fraudsters may stay on the line.”
“If you believe you have been a victim of this scam, you can make a report to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.”
