Police crack down on phone scams

Every year, millions of people in the UK are conned out of hundreds, sometimes thousands of pounds after being contacted by fraudsters online, over the phone and even by mail.

Police are teaming up in support of the Citizens Advice and Trading Standards campaign to raise awareness of different types of scams, which sees telephone fraud at the top of this week’s agenda.

Fraudsters often cold call their victims claiming to be from reputable companies, banking institutions or the police around issues such as fraudulent activity on a card, insurance problems or a virus on the victim’s computer.

Detective Inspector Rob King, head of the Derbyshire economic crime unit said: “Fraudsters can be highly convincing but please remember that police or banks would never ask for your PIN over the phone so don’t feel pressured into handing over this information.

“To avoid falling victim to phone scams, always check the caller’s credentials carefully, protect your PIN and other banking information, and end any suspicious calls immediately before reporting it to the police.

“By sharing this information with our elderly friends, relatives and neighbours, we can help to spread the word and stamp out fraud in our communities.”

Other advice for protecting yourself against phone scams includes:

Stop, think and be sceptical. If something sounds too good to be true it probably is.

Be cautious and if in doubt end the call immediately and report it to police on 101.

Genuine businesses or organisations will never contact you over the phone and ask for your personal or financial information.

If you receive a call which you suspect is bogus, speak to family or friends or Citizens Advice and seek advice.

For information around frauds and scams visit the dedicated Stamp out Fraud in Derbyshire webpage at www.derbyshire.police.uk/stampoutfraud.