Norfolk Police are urging elderly residents to be vigilant following a number of reports in which callers are pretending to be police officers.

On the evening of Friday 27 March an elderly woman from the Belton area in Great Yarmouth received a call at approximately 7.30pm from a man posing to be a police officer. The woman was asked to take part in a survey. When the woman questioned the legitimacy of the call, he became very aggressive.

Police have received a number of similar reports in which elderly residents have been targeted.

 

Police are keen to hear from anyone who may have received a similar type of telephone call or has any information about these incidents.

 

Anyone with information should contact Norfolk Police on 101 quoting incident number 415 of today’s date (27 March 2020).

 

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111

 

Residents are reminded that neither your bank nor the police or National Crime Agency will ever ask you to withdraw money or purchase items. In addition:

  • 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’re asked to telephone a bank, then 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 ring tones, hold music and a recorded message down the phone so the victim believes they are making a call to a legitimate number. Use a friend or neighbour’s telephone instead.
  • Never download any software suggested by caller.
  • Do not rush into complying to the scammers demands/requests.

Friends, family, carers and neighbours are asked to spread the word to ensure everyone is aware of this scam and what they should do.