From the Safer Stockport Partnership:

Residents in Stockport are being warned about fraudsters posing as police officers over the phone after a recent spate of 12 offences in the area.

Criminals have been telling elderly victims that someone has been arrested for committing a fraud against them, but that they need to withdraw money to pay for the investigation. They are then promised that the money will be refunded.

Two victims, one of whom was 83 years old, have lost over £7,000 between them.

There have been approximately 400 incidents across Greater Manchester over the last 20 months where victims have been tricked into disclosing bank details or handing over money.

Police are urging people to make elderly or vulnerable relatives aware of this type of crime, and to remind them never to reveal account numbers, sort codes or PIN numbers, as legitimate banks or police officers would never ask for these over the phone or in person.

Detective Sergeant Darren Crook of GMP’s Economic Crime Unit said: “If you’re ever visited by someone claiming to be a police officer and you have concerns, take their name and collar number and call 101 to verify their identity. If they call you on the phone, make sure you use a different phone to call 101, or at least ensure you have a dialling tone, as scammers may keep the line open at their end.

“Likewise, if you have suspicions about someone claiming to be from a bank, you should ask for the caller’s name, the name of the bank, and the branch they are from. You should then contact the branch to confirm their identity. If you believe your card has been cloned or stolen, call your bank straight away.

“I want to reassure the public that our resources are focused on those fraudsters who are causing the most harm, and we regularly run investigations that result in significant sentences for offenders, as well as the recovery of criminally obtained funds. Preying on vulnerable people like this is a heinous crime, and we shall continue to work hard to bring offenders to justice.”

To report fraud call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or report it online at www.actionfraud.police.uk

Action Fraud is a central point of contact for members of the public and businesses to report fraud and financially-motivated internet crime.

The website gives advice on how to avoid falling victim to this type of offence, and online reporting is available at all times.

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