Fraud case launched into fake police officers

Operation Siberia is looking into 15 cases of fraud in Rotherham and Sheffield committed by people pretending to be coppers.

Officers received the first report in early July. 

In the incidents, victims get a phone call from someone claiming to be a detective from New Scotland Yard, the Metropolitan Police or another force outside of South Yorkshire, who is supposedly investigating fraud in Rotherham.

The caller, using a withheld number, says that a bank card has been used fraudulently and asks the victim to contact another number to provide their bank details.

Det Sgt Rob Cobley said: “Although it is easily done and I don’t want to criticise people for being trustworthy, I can’t stress enough how important it is not to give out personal details over the phone.

“Police officers will never ask for personal financial details and banks will never do this over the phone.”

Det Sgt Cobley said that of the 15 incidents, 13 had been reported in Rotherham and two in Sheffield.

He  urged people to speak to vulnerable relatives about fraud and not to give their bank details out.

On four occasions, victims have gone to their banks to withdraw money, the detective said.

On one occasion, the bank would not allow the withdrawal of cash but in one instance, the victim was conned out of £12,000.

Det Sgt Cobley said: “If you, or if someone you know has received a similar call, please let us know so we can gather as much evidence as possible to bring the offenders to justice.

“Fraud is a cowardly and calculated crime and no one should be taken advantage of and be made to feel so vulnerable.

“I’d hate to think that more people could fall victim to fraud so please share our advice far and wide.”

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting Operation Siberia, or telephone Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

More information on this type of fraud is available on the Action Fraud website at https://tinyurl.com/ycdc5283.