Residents across mid and west Wales are being warned about a rise in scams involving criminals impersonating police officers in an attempt to steal money and bank cards.
Dyfed-Powys Police said an increasing number of calls have been reported where fraudsters pose as officers and try to convince victims to hand over cash, bank cards or other valuables, sometimes arranging for a courier to collect them.
The criminals often use convincing tactics to gain trust, including sharing personal information such as a victim’s name and address, which can easily be obtained online.
Fraud Safeguarding Officer Rebecca Williams warned that some of the methods used can make the scam appear very convincing.
“These criminals are very convincing and may even ask the victim to dial 999 to confirm their identity. But the criminals do not disconnect the call, so when the victim dials the real phone number, they are still speaking to the criminals.
“We encourage anyone who receives such a call to use an alternative phone such as a mobile, or contact a friend/family before trying to verify the call.
“If you have received a call like this or have been convinced to send money, please do not be embarrassed or ashamed to report it. These criminals use coercive and manipulative tactics to gain their victim’s trust.
“Dyfed Powys Police are here to support you, and we continue to support victims who have handed over tens of thousands of pounds to this scam already”
Police have also reminded residents of key things officers will never ask members of the public to do.
According to Dyfed-Powys Police, genuine officers will never:
- Ask you to withdraw cash, send money or hand over your bank cards
- Send a courier to your address to collect cash, bank cards or other valuable goods
- Contact you unexpectedly and ask you to take part in an investigation that requires you to withdraw money from your bank
Anyone who receives a suspicious call is urged to end the conversation immediately and verify the caller using another phone or by speaking to someone they trust.
Anyone who believes they have been targeted by this scam or has already sent money is encouraged to report it to police.
