Criminals in Chesterfield are posing as police officers in new courier scam call

Derbyshire Constabulary are warning residents in the S40 and S42 postal area not to fall for a fraudulent call where someone pretends to work for the force in order to obtain personal bank details.

Officers received an increased number of calls over the past few weeks about scammers calling people and pretending to be ‘DC Mark Andrews from Paddington police station’.

The caller goes on to say that he is investigating the unauthorised use of that person’s bank card and advises that the person should not tell anyone about this call as it may jeopardise the police investigation.

Criminals are also using the names DC Morris, DC Ryan, DC Clarke and Sergeant Wiggins in an attempt to defraud people.

Anyone who receives a call from scammers should not give out any personal information and is advised to hang up the phone immediately, as police are concerned such calls can be linked to courier fraud.

These scams encourage victims to withdraw funds from their bank account or give bank cards to a courier, arranged by the ‘police officer’ making the call under the guise of ‘assisting with a police investigation’.

Officers will never contact residents asking for banking information or request that you withdraw money from an account to aid an investigation.

Derbyshire police have encouraged people in Chesterfield to make their family and friends who may be considered vulnerable aware of this scam, as fraudsters often target geographical areas where they know elderly or vulnerable people live.

Anyone who receives a call of this nature should terminate the call and wait five minutes to ensure they can hear a dial tone before ringing 101.

People should also call their bank on the number found on the bank of your card and all reports need to be reported to Action Fraud 0300 120 2040 or online.

Those who are deaf or hard of hearing can also text on 07800 002414 or email [email protected].

For further fraud advice contact local Fraud Protect Officer by emailing [email protected].

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