Police Impersonation Phone Scam

Police Impersonation Phone Scam

Dear Resident

We are aware of reports of a scam where members of the public receive phone calls from a number that appears to be a genuine police contact number.

Fraudsters are using technology known as "number spoofing" to disguise their real phone number and make it look as though the call is coming from a trusted organisation, such as the police, a bank, or a government agency. In some cases, callers may encourage people to search the number online to verify it belongs to the police. While the number may genuinely belong to a police force, this does not confirm that the caller is a police officer.

These scam calls may be automated, or from a real person. Their main goal is to trick you into sharing personal information or to transfer money.

If you're unsure about whether the person you're dealing with is a genuine police officer – stop – and call us on 101 to check their identity.

If you've been on the phone to someone – who called you – but you have doubts about them, we recommend that you hang up and wait five minutes before you call us. There have been cases of fraudsters keeping the line open after a victim has hung up. Leaving several minutes between calls will make sure that the call has closed.

Remember:

✅ A police officer will never contact you unexpectedly and ask for personal information, including bank account details.

✅ A police officer will never ask you to withdraw money or purchase expensive items as part of an investigation.

How our officers will contact you

How our officers make contact will depend on how you've asked us to contact you and the circumstances around why they're contacting you.

For investigative purposes we may get in touch:

Whichever way an officer contacts you they will identify themselves clearly as an officer and explain why they're contacting you.

Contact in person

If one of our officers contacts you in person, they’ll show you their police warrant card. This is proof of their identity and authority.

Contact by phone

If one of our officers needs to speak to you on the phone, they'll identify themselves clearly. They will never: 

Contact by email

If one of our officers contacts you by email, they will never: 

Remember if you're unsure about whether the person you're dealing with is a genuine police officer – stop – and call us on 101 to check their identity.

If you think you've been a victim of cyber crime or fraud, please report it to Report Fraud either online or by phone: 0300 123 2040.