Warning over scam callers in Amber Valley area

We are reiterating advice and support to Derbyshire residents after a number of scam calls were reported to us.

Over the last few days we have seen an increase in scam calls from people impersonating police officers or bank staff, asking people to give them money or bank cards. 

We have received reports of the calls being received by residents in the Belper and Alfreton areas with the scammers targeting elderly or vulnerable people.

The scammers have told people that their bank cards need to be collected due to a problem with the account. They have also been posing as police officers investigating a crime, and saying they have found identity documents belonging to the person they have called. Both kinds of calls have been reported in Derbyshire in the last few days. 

Another one saw a man lose thousands of pounds after he was contacted by someone claiming to be an officer from the Metropolitan Police. 

We’re encouraging all residents to be on their guard against these calls and to help spread the word with their family members and friends. 

Fraud Protect Officer Tammy Barnes said: “These callers pretend to be investigating a crime involving the victims’ card or bank account.

“They then ask for money transfers, or even for cash withdrawals or bank cards to be given to a courier, to ‘assist with the investigation’ which the police will never do.

“We also know that these fraudsters often target one geographical area before moving on to the next, so please spread this message far and wide.”

It’s also important to note on previous occasions the caller has asked the victim to call 999 to verify their claims but instead remains on the line to complete the scam.

The police will never contact you to request banking information or ask for funds to aid an investigation.

If you receive a call like this – hang up and contact us to report it as soon as possible. We can then assess where is targeted, alert banks and prevent other scams: 

• Website – We have crime reporting tools on our website: https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/

• Facebook – send us a private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page

• Phone – call us on 101 

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website: Independent UK charity taking crime information anonymously | Crimestoppers

If you wish to phone us to report, wait five minutes after ending the scam call and make sure you hear a dial tone before calling 101.