West Midlands Police (WMP) use WM Now to issue urgent "Bogus Official" and "Distraction Burglary" alerts. These scammers often impersonate police officers, council staff, or utility workers to gain entry to homes or steal personal data.
WM Now Bogus Caller Alerts
The "Bogus Official" Alert: Residents are urged to "Stop and Lock" by verifying callers through a closed door, using chains, and checking ID.
The "Police Impersonation" Alert: WMP emphasizes that genuine officers will never ask for bank PINs, passwords, or login details.
The "Rogue Trader" Warning: Authorities advise never agreeing to unsolicited work on the doorstep. If scammers become aggressive, close the door and dial 999.
WMP Verification Rules for Residents
To stay safe, WMP suggests following the 101 Rule:
The 101 Rule: If someone claims to be from the police or a bank, hang up, wait 5 minutes, and call 101 or the official number.
West Midlands Police and local authorities advise residents to follow a strict "Stop, Lock, Chain, Check" protocol to handle bogus callers and rogue traders.
Immediate Action (At the Door)
If an unexpected caller arrives at your door, do not feel obligated to let them in. Follow these steps:
Stop and Lock: Before answering, check if you were expecting anyone. Ensure all other doors (like the back door) are locked before you approach the front door.
Chain: If you choose to open the door, always use a door chain or bar. Talk to the caller through the gap or a closed door/window.
Check: Demand to see official identification. Do not use any phone number provided by the caller to verify them; instead, find the company’s official number in a phone book or online.
Refuse Unsolicited Work: Never agree to home repairs or services from someone who just "happens to be in the area".
How to Report Bogus Callers
Reporting these incidents helps local teams track criminal activity in your area.
Emergency (999): Call immediately if a crime is in progress, the caller is aggressive, or you feel threatened.
Non-Emergency (101): Use this number to report suspicious callers who have left the area or to share information about potential scams.
Rogue Traders: Report suspicious "workmen" to Dudley Council Trading Standards.
Fraud: If you have been scammed or lost money, report it to Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040.
Phone Scams ("Bogus Callers" by Telephone)
The 101 Rule: If a caller claims to be from your bank or the police, hang up and wait at least five minutes (or use a different phone) before calling back on an official number like 101 or your bank's number on the back of your card.
Financial Fraud (159): If you receive a suspicious call about your bank account, hang up and dial 159 to be connected securely to your bank's fraud department.
Regards.
LPA - Dudley Central Team 2
‘Working in partnership, making communities safer’
