Public warned over phone scam in which fraudsters pose as police

We are warning residents to be vigilant over a phone scam involving fraudsters posing as Police Officers

Officers are investigating a number of reports across South London with people being called by scammers under the guise of ‘assisting with an investigation’.

They are asked to withdraw significant funds from cash machines and to hand the money over to a courier.

An investigation is ongoing to identify those involved.

If you have been a victim of this scam or to one similar, please report it to the Police or to Action Fraud. Your information is vital in helping us identify the people who are behind this.

Reporting fraud is important. If you’ve been a victim of a scam or an attempted scam, however minor, there may be hundreds or thousands of others in a similar position.

Please familiarise themselves with our fraud prevention advice – these useful tips are key in helping to keep you and your money safe.

You can report fraud to the Police by calling 101 or through the Met Police website: https://www.met.police.uk/fraud.

Individuals who have been targeted by a scam or fallen victim can also contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

How to protect yourself:

Any police, bank, fraud department or similar will never ask you to:

Transfer money or ask you to purchase items

Become involved in an investigation or assist them by transferring or using your own money 

Withdraw your money and give it to a courier

Give out yours or someone’s card pin number or full card details

If you receive a call that is suspicious, we advise you to:

Hang up and wait for 5-10 minutes, or phone a friend or relative to clear the line

If you need to check a police officer calling is a genuine officer, contact your local police force by dialling 101 

Talk to your friends and family about any cold callers and ask for their help and advice

If you have already given your bank details over the phone or handed your card details to a courier, call your bank straight away. Phone 159 to reach your bank's fraud department directly.

Further advice around fraud can be found on https://www.met.police.uk/fraud