Scammers claiming to be police officer targeting High Peak residents

Derbyshire police, who warned residents about the scam, said the caller would pretend to be a police officer from a London-based police station.

They would then go on to say they are investigating the unauthorised use of that person’s bank card and tell them not to talk to anyone else about the call as it may jeopardise the police investigation.

According to the police, a number of different names have been used by this scammer including Sergeant Watson, DC Morris, DC Andrews, DC Ryan, DC Clarke and Sergeant Wiggins.

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In a statement, the force said: “We’re alerting residents in the High Peak and surrounding areas to a scam that we have had several calls about in recent weeks.

“We are asking you to talk to any elderly or vulnerable people in your family about this scam because sadly, they are often victims.

“If you receive such a call you should not give out any personal information and hang up the call immediately.

“We know that this type of call can be linked to courier fraud.

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"This means that victims will be encouraged to withdraw funds from their bank account, give bank cards and - in our latest incidents - make purchases of gold bullion or high-end jewellery from specified jewellers and give it to a courier arranged by the ‘police officer.’

“The police will never contact you asking for banking information or request that you withdraw money from an account, purchase gold bullion or high-value jewellery to aid an investigation.

Fraudsters often target geographical areas where they know elderly or vulnerable people live, so we would ask that if you have family or friends who are vulnerable in any way that you make them aware of this scam.”

Derbyshire police urged those who receive such call to contact them as soon as possible.

“Should you receive one of these calls, we advise you to end the call, wait five minutes and ensure you can hear a dial tone before calling us on 101.”

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