Warning over scam callers posing as police officers

Scam callers posing as police officers have pressured victims into handing over thousands of pounds, a force has warned.

Derbyshire Police said it had received "high numbers of reports" of fraudsters who tell people to hand over money to support an investigation.

The force said one person handed over more than £10,000.

Tammy Barnes, a fraud protection officer, said: "The majority of people are more than willing to help the police with an investigation so a fraudster will put pressure on them to help."

Ms Barnes said the force had "seen a high number of victims over the last four weeks".

Reports of scammers posing as police officers came from residents in the High Peak and Chesterfield areas, as well as those living in Derby.

Scammers are calling “out of the blue” and telling people their accounts will be cleared by the end of the day if they do not withdraw the money, Ms Barnes said.

Callers are telling victims “not to tell anyone” as it could “hinder the police operation", she added.

The “well-rehearsed and extremely convincing" scammers are "well-spoken and very professional" in their manner, according to Ms Barnes.

She said "The call is designed to instil a panic and a fear – victims are led to believe their bank accounts have been accessed and that their money is at risk.

“The majority of people are more than willing to help the police with an investigation so a fraudster will put pressure on them asking for help."

Ms Barnes added: "Derbyshire Police or any other force across the country would never ask people to do this," she said.

"Hang up straight away."

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