Criminals spoof police number to steal money from victims

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 14 Oct, 06:04 · Archive

Fraudsters are using fake police officer identities and a spoofed Merseyside Police phone number to trick people into handing over money.

Merseyside Police has warned of a scam in which fraudsters impersonate officers by spoofing the police switchboard number, 0151 709 6010, to make calls appear legitimate. The callers use fake officer names, collar numbers and crime references to increase credibility.

The offenders claim victims have been arrested with stolen ID or passport, are linked to cyber crime investigations, or have had cryptocurrency accounts compromised. They use these false claims to extract information about banking arrangements, cryptocurrency holdings and personal details. Most people recognised the calls as fraudulent and did not disclose sensitive information, but one individual transferred a significant sum of money to the scammers.

Detective Sergeant John Causton from the force's economic crime unit said impersonating a police officer is a criminal offence that puts communities at risk. He called on people to warn vulnerable friends and relatives about the scam. Merseyside Police have launched an investigation and are carrying out CCTV and witness enquiries.

How it is being reported

• Police phone number spoofed to scam victimsFraudsters posing as police officers contacted members of the public and asked for money.BBC Merseyside · 14 Oct, 06:24
• Merseyside Police warn of scammers posing as officers to steal victims’ moneyMerseyside Police warn of phone scammers impersonating officers, using spoofed numbers to target victims and steal money, bank details and personal information.Wirral Globe · 14 Oct, 05:00
• Warning as criminals 'spoof' police phone number and force person to hand over cashThe criminals used fake police officer names and collar numbers to convince people they are linked a cyber crime investigationLiverpool Echo · 13 Oct, 15:38

In this story: Merseyside Police · John Causton

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