Police advise vigilance following scam phone call concerns

Cheshire Constabulary is warning residents to stay vigilant following a reports of scam phone calls targeting residents in Cheshire.

Over the past few weeks, Cheshire Police have received several reports from concerned members of the public who have fallen prey to courier fraud.

These victims have been called by individuals impersonating Cheshire officers claiming someone has been arrested for the theft of a bank card belonging to them and asking the victims to provide their details to confirm that it was their card that was stolen. Victims have then passed these details to the scammer, who will then use them to withdraw money from their accounts.

Fraudsters have also been impersonating bank officials asking them to withdraw cash, purchase goods or provide bank cards and PIN numbers for collection by a courier, who will later arrive to take the money to be held in a secure place that does not exist, with the scammer keeping the money themselves.

Detective Sergeant Jacques of the Force's Economic Crime Unit, said:

“The fraudsters are extremely convincing and persistent and often target the elderly or vulnerable resulting in the loss of thousands of pounds.”

“It’s important to remember that Police Officers and bank officials will never ask you to withdraw money, purchase goods or hand over private banking details.”

“Please help us to raise awareness by sharing this with your friends and family, especially if they are vulnerable or elderly”.

Cheshire Constabulary offers the following crime prevention advice: 

• Be sceptical of callers, even those who claim to be officials.
• Do not be afraid to put the phone down with a brief ‘No, thank you’.
• Never give personal information, such as your date of birth or bank details, to unexpected callers.
• Remember that the police or your bank would not unexpectedly call you and ask you to withdraw cash or move your money to another account, as a result of fraud or any other reason.
• If a caller asks you to type your bank PIN number into your telephone handset - do not do this, as fraudsters can use technology to identify the numbers.
• You can opt out of many cold calls by registering for free with the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707.

If you have any information regarding these incidents, please use: 

reporting tools on our website 

or call 101.

Information can also be given anonymously by contacting Crimestoppers on:

0800 555 111