Warning After a Fraudster Impersonated a Police Officer in Attempted Money Scam

Officers received a report of an attempted courier fraud scam yesterday, Tuesday 6th April, where a fraudster impersonated a police officer and attempted to target a victim over the phone.

The fraudster contacted the victim told the victim she owed tax payments and if she didn’t pay £2,500 she would be issued with a court order and jailed.

The victim did not send any cash.

Cleveland Police would like to make it clear that officers or banks would NEVER ask you to withdraw/ transfer cash or give money to a courier to pick up. If you receive an unexpected call where someone asks for your bank details or for you to withdraw cash, put the phone down. Tell a trusted family member or friend and report the incident to police.

Officers would again appeal for anyone with older or vulnerable friends and relations about courier fraud and to stress the messages as given by police.

Cleveland Police continues to work with forces and financial institutions nationally, as well as the National Crime Agency and NERSOU (the North East Regional Specialist Operations Unit) to counter this activity and a number of arrests have been made in connection with this type of fraud in the past.