Police warn residents to be vigilant following phone scam

Residents from across eastern Cheshire are being warned to be vigilant following an increase in reports of a scam involving bogus phone calls.

In each of the cases the victims received a telephone call from a man claiming to be an officer from the Metropolitan Police.

The man told the victims their credit or debit card had been used fraudulently, and in some cases they were told there was somebody in custody.

Chief Inspector Rob Dickinson said: “In recent days there have been three incidents in Macclesfield and one in Wilmslow where the victims have been contacted by a man claiming to be from the Metropolitan Police. Thankfully none of them fell for the scam and no money was taken. What normally tends to happen is the caller asks for personal information, including the pin number of the card they claim has been used fraudulently, and a courier is sent to pick up the card. Money is then taken from the account.

“I would like to warn all residents that the police would never call victims and ask for personal details about their bank account or cards.”

Anyone with information in relation to the incidents, or anyone who believes that they may have been a victim is urged to contract Cheshire Police on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Alternatively information can be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.