We are urging the public to be vigilant after reports that calls have been received from fraudsters claiming to be from Staffordshire Police.
The calls appear to be from a genuine Staffordshire Commissioner’s Office number, 01785 232385, but the offenders are likely using caller ID spoofing.
There are a number of steps you can take to protect yourself from fraudulent calls:
- You can always ask a Police officer for identification. All our officers have a collar number and a warrant card – if in any doubt, call 101 to check the details given to you are genuine.
- Never give personal information in response to an incoming call, particularly if the caller is asking you to do something that will affect you financially, including any personal bank information.
- We will never ask you to disclose your PIN number, card or bank details, either in person, on the phone or online.
- If you receive such a call, end it immediately. Wait five minutes for the phone line to clear, or call from a different number, and contact the Police by dialling 101 or 999 in an emergency.
If you believe you have received a fake call, report it on 101 or via the Staffordshire Police website. Further fraud crime prevention advice can be found on the Report Fraud website.
Please share this information with your family, friends and neighbours who may be vulnerable to this scam.