Phone scammers prompt warning from police

Cambridgeshire police has issued fresh warnings after a new spate of phone scams targeted residents across the county.

Officers said fraudsters posing as bank staff successfully conned a woman in her 50s out of £5,500; while several attempts to defraud residents have been made by scammers claiming to be police officers, all of which so far have been unsuccessful.

Police are urging people not to fall foul of the scams, which often target older victims.

DI Jamie Stenton said: “These scams are an issue that is hitting Cambridgeshire and a number of other counties across the country. The fraudsters are very persuasive and convincing so the victims don’t realise it is a scam until it is too late.

“We are working closely with other police forces, banks, post offices and other partner agencies to raise awareness of the scam and remind people to be suspicious if they receive a phone call similar to this.

“Banks will never ask for your PIN number over the phone and you should never give it out. If you’re in doubt about anyone you are speaking to on the phone, hang up and ensure the line has been terminated before ringing back on an official number.

“You should never give any bank cards or cash to anyone at your door, even if they say they are from your bank or the police.”

To report an incident in action always call 999, if it is after the event call Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.