Police being impersonated in scam calls, Banbury area is warned
Fraud watchdogs are urging the public to check who they are talking to following a spike in reports of calls from ‘spoofed’ police force phone numbers.
Analysis of data from Report Fraud, the national cyber crime and fraud reporting service, shows there has been an increase in reports made where the caller has purported to be from a police force from a number of areas across the country.
In reality, these are criminals contacting a member of the public, using a ‘spoofed’ phone number to try and obtain sensitive personal or financial details so fraud can be committed.
“Often, the criminals will claim the victim will be helping with an investigation by providing the personal or financial information they are asking for,” said a Report Fraud spokesman.
“The number of calls reported is possibly the tip of an iceberg and the full scale is unknown.”
Criminals use ‘spoofing’ software to cover up their real caller ID and mirror the phone number of a legitimate organisation.
They do this to make it appear that calls or text messages are coming from a trusted organisation like the police, banks or government agencies.
These scam calls may use AI technology, be automated or from a real person. Their goal is to trick you into sharing personal information or transferring money.
Remember that genuine service providers, banks and the police will NEVER call asking you to transfer money, share personal financial details or hand over remote control of your computer.
If you are in any way suspicious, or feel pressured into anything, hang up and check if the call is genuine. Call back on a number you know to be genuine, for example as shown on your utility bills or the back of your card. You can also call 159 to get through to your bank, or 101 for the police.
Don’t trust the Caller ID display on your phone – it’s not proof of ID,
Report a suspicious phone call if you've lost money or been hacked after responding to a phishing message or scam call. In England, Wales or Northern Ireland, visit www.reportfraud.police.uk/ or call 0300 123 2040.
You should report suspected scam calls. Send a text to 7726 with the word ‘Call’ and the caller's number.