Fraudsters claiming to be from New Scotland Yard are targeting people across North Yorkshire in a sophisticated telephone scam designed to steal cash, valuables, and bank details.
Personal savings and valuables across North Yorkshire are facing an increased threat from sophisticated telephone fraudsters.
Criminals are posing as police officers from New Scotland Yard or the Metropolitan Police to trick victims into handing over their money. The scammers contact individuals by telephone, falsely claiming that a suspect has been arrested in London, or elsewhere in the country, for fraudulently using the victim's bank cards.
The deception involves a highly convincing tactic designed to gain the victim's trust. The fraudsters invite the targeted individuals to verify their police credentials by instructing them to hang up and dial 999 or a similar official number.
North Yorkshire Police explained the mechanism behind the scam:
"This is part of the offence – they simply stay on the line, which means the call remains connected. A different offender will then pretend to take the 999 call, creating the illusion it is the police."
To combat this manipulation, authorities are urging people to ensure they properly cancel and end calls, particularly when using a traditional landline telephone. Using a completely separate or different device to verify an official's identity is highly recommended to ensure the original line has not been kept open by the scammers.
A spokesperson for the police outlined the safest way to check an officer's identity during a suspicious telephone call:
"If you have concerns about a police officer’s identity – clear the call, wait for a dialling tone (if using a landline), then contact our control room via 101 who will be able to verify an officer's ID."
The scope of the fraudulent calls extends beyond fake police officers. Callers frequently impersonate staff from the Financial Conduct Authority or legitimate banking institutions. During these calls, the criminals create a false sense of urgency by claiming the victim's bank account is at immediate risk of being compromised.
Victims are then instructed to take drastic actions to protect their assets. These instructions often involve withdrawing or transferring large sums of cash. In some cases, victims are told to hand over their physical bank cards, personal identification numbers, jewellery, or other high-value items to a courier who is sent directly to their home address.
Authorities are reminding the public of strict rules regarding what legitimate organisations will actually ask for over the telephone.
"Your bank or the Police will NEVER ask for your PIN or online banking password, request you withdraw cash or ask you to part with valuables, ask you to transfer money to a 'safe account', or send a courier to collect money, cards, or valuables."
Anyone who receives a call of this nature is advised to hang up the telephone immediately. Following a suspicious call, individuals should contact their bank directly using the official telephone number printed on the back of their bank card.
The incident should also be reported to the police by calling 101 or by contacting Action Fraud to help authorities track the scale of the criminal operation across the region.
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