People in North Yorkshire are being warned about an increase in fraudsters posing as police officers and attempting to convince victims that their bank cards have been used by criminals.
North Yorkshire Police is warning residents to be on their guard following an increase in fraudsters impersonating police officers.
The force says victims have received calls from criminals claiming to be officers from New Scotland Yard or the Metropolitan Police.
Callers may tell victims that somebody has been arrested in London or elsewhere in the country after using their bank cards.
As part of the deception, fraudsters may encourage victims to verify their identity by calling 999 or another police number.
Police warn that the criminals can remain connected to the original landline call. A second fraudster then pretends to answer the new call, creating the impression that the victim has independently contacted the police and verified the caller's identity.
Residents are being advised to fully disconnect suspicious calls and, where possible, use a different phone or device if they need to verify someone's identity.
Anyone concerned about the identity of somebody claiming to be a police officer should end the call, wait for a dialling tone if using a landline and contact North Yorkshire Police independently on 101.
Fraudsters may also pose as bank employees or representatives of the Financial Conduct Authority and claim that a person's bank account is at risk.
Victims can then be instructed to transfer or withdraw money or hand over bank cards, PINs, jewellery or other valuables to a supposed courier.
Police stress that banks and genuine police officers will never ask for a PIN or online banking password, tell someone to transfer money to a "safe account", request that they withdraw cash or valuables, or send a courier to collect money, cards or valuables.
Anyone receiving a suspicious call should hang up and contact their bank independently using the number on the back of their card. Suspected fraud can also be reported to police or the UK's fraud reporting service.
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