Fraud alert: Scam texts sent from family members received by Derbyshire residents

Officers are alerting people to scam texts being sent that are trying to trick people into sending money to them.

Derbyshire Constabulary recently received a report from a woman who had received a text from an unknown number saying it was her daughter.

The text explained that she had damaged her phone and that she needed to get in touch with her on a different number. The scam then tells the victim that they are unable to pay a bill and that they need money sending to them.

Fortunately, on this occasion the intended victim did not send any money to the scammers.

A Police statement warned residents who receive a text of this type to ensure that they do not respond, and instead, to use a different form of contact with the person that is apparently attempting to contact you and to always speak to them directly via a call.

Anyone receiving a text of this type should report it to local police force using any of the non-emergency contact points.

If you live in Derbyshire you can do this by contacting:

• Facebook– send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter– direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website– complete the online contact form at derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call 101