Warning after spike in scam callers pretending to be police officers

Dyfed-Powys Police is warning people to be on their guard after an increase in reports of attempted scams in recent days.

With 11 reports in the past two days, all of which have realised it was a scam and hung up, officers fear there could be people who don’t yet realise they have been caught out by scammers.

DC Gareth Jordan from Dyfed-Powys Police’s Economic Crime Team said: “We have seen a spike in reports saying they have received phone calls from people pretending to be police officers and telling them that their credit card has been cloned.

“We’ve had 11 such calls in the past two days and they appear to be targeting the Ceredigion area.

“So far no-one has reported any losses but we may only be hearing from those that recognise this is a scam.

“Often the realisation of these crimes may come weeks later – when the criminal has been successful.”

DC Jordan said the caller tells the potential victim they are from Paddington or Paddington Green Police Station Specialist Fraud Team.

If they are calling a landline, they tell the recipient to dial 999 to confirm it is the police, but the line is kept open by the caller.

The aim is to get the victim to either part with their credit card details, or possibly to get them to withdraw money and have it picked up by courier (Courier Fraud).

Remember:

• The police will not phone you and ask you to convey details of your debit or credit card
• The police will not contact you to tell you your debit or credit card has been cloned.
• The police, or your bank, will never ask you to withdraw money or transfer it to a different account
• They will also never ask you to reveal your full banking password or PIN
• Phone a family member or friend to make sure the line has cleared
  and then phone 101 to report to police