Police issue another warning as fraudulent callers continue to target vulnerable Downham Market residents

Police have issued yet another warning as fraudsters pretending to be officers continue to target vulnerable residents.

The issue has been prominent in the Downham area in recent weeks - with a further ten criminal phone calls made since Monday.

The callers often pretend to be from Downham Police Station, attempting to extract money from their victims.

The police themselves are particularly concerned by the fact that the crooks often have access to people’s names and addresses.

Inspector Ben Jarvis, a West Norfolk Neighbourhood Policing Inspector, said: “There’s been a significant increase in fraudulent calls in West Norfolk recently, specifically with people pretending to be from the police.

“Last week there were eight calls and already this week there have been a further ten calls. All are in and around Downham.

“The callers are all pretending to be police officers, often claiming to be from Downham Police Station. They are often able to provide the victim’s name and address and will often mention that the victim’s card has been used in a local supermarket or that they are needed to provide money for something.

“Their aim is to get victims to hand over money to a courier who has been arranged to collect it.

“Thankfully only one of the people calling us has lost money and we’re really pleased to see that most people are able to recognise these scammers for what they are. They are hanging up on the fraudsters and calling us.

“Every time someone reports them to us we have the chance to get more information about the people behind this fraud.”

Insp Jarvis added: “If you do fall victim to this scam then do still report it to us, never feel embarrassed or afraid to report them. The information you provide could help prevent someone else becoming a victim.

“No official organisation will ever be offended if you hang up on them. The police, banks and council will all be happy for you to end the call and contact them another way.

“Please never give any personal data away over the phone - even if they know your name, address and date of birth.

“They target the vulnerable and often prey on the elderly. Please share this advice with anyone you know who may get a call from the scammers.”

Officers have issued the following advice:

• Your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN, bank card or bank account details over the phone - never give these details to anybody.

• Neither the police nor the banks will send a courier to collect money from you.

• Always request photo ID and if unsure call the police.

• If you are asked to telephone a bank, always do it on a different phone to the one you were contacted on.

• Fraudsters will keep the line open and have been known to play ringtones, hold music and a recorded message down the phone so the victim believes they are making a call to a legitimate number. Make sure you have hung up from the original call and you can hear a dialling tone before calling police or use a friend or neighbour's telephone instead.

• Do not rush into complying with the scammers demands / requests.