Fraud Alert: Criminals posing as cops calling Derbyshire residents

Residents in Derbyshire are being warned to be on their guard after a series of fraudulent calls in the county.

Over the course of a few days, officers have been contacted by residents who received calls purporting to be from officers at Charing Cross police station in London.

The fraudsters claim that the persons card has been used fraudulently in an attempt to gain details and steal money.

In previous calls after the victim hangs up to make a 999 call, the scammer keeps the line open and manipulates them during the second call – making them believe that their card has been cloned and used.

They say arrests are going to be made and convince the caller to assist the investigation by transferring large amounts of money to other accounts.

A statement from Derbyshire Police said: "Officers will never ask anyone to transfer large amounts of money into other accounts to help with any investigations. If you receive a call like this, you should not give out any personal information and hang up immediately and contact Police as soon as possible so we can assess the area that is being targeted, alert the banks and work to protect other local residents to prevent any financial loss.  After ending the call, wait for five minutes or so and make sure you can hear dial tone before calling us on 101."

To call your bank, please use the number found on the back of your card.  All reports of this nature also need to be reported to Action Fraud 0300 120 2040 or online www.actionfraud.police.uk.

You can contact Police via any of the following methods.

• 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

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org