Hertfordshire police warn of fake detective scam calls

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 18 Oct, 06:08 · Archive

Hertfordshire police are warning residents about fraudsters posing as detectives in phone scams.

Hertfordshire Constabulary is warning residents about a spate of scam calls from fraudsters posing as police officers. The Watford Observer reports that one victim received a call from a 'well-spoken' woman who claimed to be a detective from Essex Police's Cyber Crime Unit and asked for the resident by name. Investigation found there was no such officer, and the scammers have been making calls to multiple forces across the region, including calls purporting to be from Hertfordshire's Cyber Crime Unit.

The fraudsters aim to obtain victims' personal details or gain remote access to their devices. Police said a genuine officer would never attempt to obtain such information or access in this way. Several other police forces have issued similar warnings in recent days.

Residents who receive suspicious calls should report them online or by calling 101. Police advised callers to wait five minutes before ringing 101 to avoid being reconnected to the fraudster.

How it is being reported

• Hertfordshire residents targeted by 'fake police officers' sparks warningPolice have issued a warning to Hertfordshire residents after a spate of scam calls from fraudsters posing as officers.Watford Observer · 18 Oct, 05:30
• Hertfordshire Constabulary raises alarm after fake detective scamsHertfordshire Constabulary is cautioning residents within the area to be vigilant after a recent incident involving a fraudster posing as a detective.Hemel Gazette · 16 Oct, 13:05

In this story: Hertfordshire Constabulary · Essex Police · Hertfordshire

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem