Norfolk Police are urging local residents to be vigilant to cold callers claiming to be police officers following a number of incidents across Norfolk. The scam can take many forms but reports suggest the scammers pose as undercover police officers, stating there has been a report of fraud on the victim’s bank account or that a family member has been arrested, before asking for personal bank details. Victims are taken by taxi to withdraw a large amount of cash, which is later collected by a courier or person involved in the fraud.

The first incident happened at Ashill, near Watton, on 27th November. There have since been incidents in Thetford, Diss and Holt. Detective Inspector Bruce Clark said: “Genuine police officers or staff would never approach residents and ask for cash withdrawals to be made or for people to purchase items on their behalf. I would ask people with vulnerable relatives, friends or neighbours to make sure they are aware of this type of scam.”

Officers have this advice:
• Never give out personal information about your bank account to anybody over the phone.
• If someone calls claiming to be a police officer, ask for their identification number and police force. Hang up and call 101 using a different phone. If you can’t use a different phone, wait at least five minutes before calling back. A genuine police officer will not mind waiting while you check.
• Police and banks will never ask you to give out personal details such as account numbers or PIN numbers.
• If you have given out information which could compromise your bank account security in any way, call your bank to cancel your cards as soon as possible.
• Never hand over money to someone at the door to be sent off elsewhere.

Anyone with concerns about such calls should contact Norfolk Constabulary on the non-emergency number 101 (999 if a crime is in progress) or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.