Detectives have issued a warning over bogus callers telephoning homes in Staffordshire and pretending to be police officers.
An investigation is underway following incidents in Stafford, Burton and Great Haywood, where residents were contacted by individuals claiming to be from either Greater Manchester or Staffordshire police.
The caller claimed that the force had someone in custody who had accessed the would-be victim’s bank account and taken money and said the cash had been returned.
The resident was then asked to withdraw money from the account before the bogus caller called again and ask for serial numbers from the notes. They then claimed the money was counterfeit and informed the resident a courier would be sent to collect the cash as part of the investigation.
Staffordshire Police detectives urged everyone to ignore such calls. Det Sgt Kiley Round said: “We are aware of five incidents in Staffordshire of this type of fraud. On one occasion the injured party did withdraw the money and give it to an individual who came to collect it. Officers are analysing CCTV from the area and conducting house to house enquiries.
“We would urge anyone who receives calls like these – whether it’s someone claiming to be from Greater Manchester Police or Staffordshire Police – not to divulge their bank details and not to withdraw money. Instead, they should contact us and report the call.”
Anyone with any information should message Staffordshire Police on Facebook or Twitter or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
