Police phone scam

Cheshire Police are warning residents to be wary of phone calls – purporting to be from the police – requesting money.

The scam calls use a spoofed phone number that may be associated with Cheshire Constabulary – so on checking the callers number you could be forgiven for thinking the call is genuine.

Victims are told that the caller is a Cheshire Constabulary police officer and they must hand over varying amounts to ‘clear their name’ of potential arrest and charges. In some cases the scammers have even requested gift cards be purchased and provided.

Detective Sergeant Chris Jacques, of the Economic Crime Unit, said: “Phone numbers can easily be manipulated and this is how the scammers can often catch us off guard. Fraudsters will come across as extremely convincing and will try their luck in targeting anyone just so they can benefit.”

“No police force would call you and ask for money or gift cards in order to ‘clear your name’. If you do receive a phone call such as this, please do not be alarmed. Do not provide them with any information, hang up the phone and report it immediately to Cheshire Police via 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.”

Key advice:

• Always take a moment to think before parting with information or money when receiving messages as this as only criminals will rush or panic you
• Organisations such as the police will never use phone calls to tell you about penalty or ever ask for payment 
• Telephone numbers and text messages can easily be spoofed. You should never trust the number you see on your telephones display. 
• If you receive a suspicious cold call, end it immediately.