01242 Dialling Code targeted by fake Police Officers

Gloucestershire Constabulary are warning communities in Cheltenham and Bishops Cleeve of a telephone scam. Yesterday we received reports from two residents who had been called on their landline telephones by fake police officers; purporting to be from Northampton Police and Luton Police. The personas used by the fraudsters were “Detective Inspector COLLINS” and “Superintendent ROWLAND”. In each case the victim was told that somebody was in custody in relation to a fraud investigation involving the victim's bank. The victims were instructed to withdraw cash to be handed over to a “police courier” for safekeeping. One victim was unfortunate enough to hand over more than £3000 in cash on their doorstep. 

The average victim of courier fraud in Gloucestershire is 78 years old. Please help us raise awareness of this scam by informing your elderly or vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours.  Further advice on keeping yourself safe from fraud can be found on our website at Fraud PROTECT.

We are unable to accept reports of crime through Your Neighbourhood Alerts. If you have been targeted with this scam please report it to Action Fraud.  Always call 999 in an emergency.