Scam ‘police’ phone calls on the increase

Macclesfield’s residents are being warned following a resurgence in scam phone calls purporting to be from the police.

Fraudsters have been spoofing a phone number associated with Cheshire Constabulary in an attempt to urge victims to hand over personal details or otherwise face arrest.

In some cases, victims are being told if they do not cooperate they will be arrested, as their national insurance number and bank account have been used to purchase drugs or involved in illegal activity.

PC Paula Matthews said: “Sadly, landline and mobile numbers can easily be manipulated and used maliciously by these scammers to make criminal gains.

“We are doing all we can to track these offenders down but it is important to remember that fraudsters will come across as extremely convincing and will do anything to persuade victims to hand over the details they need.

“I would urge people to remember that no police force would call to ask for personal details such as your national insurance or bank account number.

“If you do receive a phone call such as this don’t provide any information, hang up the phone and report it immediately to Cheshire Constabulary 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.
• If you think you have fallen for a scam report it to Cheshire Constabulary on 101. Alternatively, you can contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk.