Fraud Alert for criminals impersonating police officers

#ALERT | We’ve been made aware of recent incidents in north Bedfordshire where members of the public receive phone calls from people impersonating police officers.

The fraudsters will ask victims to withdraw money or buy gift cards as part of a false “operation”.

There are devices available which can make the phone call look like it comes from a police number.

WE WILL NEVER ASK YOU TO WITHDRAW MONEY, BUY GIFT CARDS OR ASK FOR YOUR BANK DETAILS.

In addition, our numbers will normally come up as “unknown caller”.

If you take a call from someone who you believe is not genuine, hang up, and contact either Report Fraud or the police on 101 or at https://www.beds.police.uk/ro/report/fo/v2/report-fraud-bribery-corruption/. 

Where possible use a different phone to make the call, in case the fraudulent caller is still on the line.

If you do give your bank details to someone who you later believe is not credible, it’s important that you contact the bank immediately.

National data has shown that people over the age of 70 are being disproportionately targeted by those carrying out courier fraud.

We would also urge people to share this information with any elderly friends, family members or neighbours to alert them to this fraud and remind them of the importance of keeping their personal information safe.

You can find out more about how to report any suspicious behaviour and how to help protect yourself from courier fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk