Bogus Caller Claiming To Be From Police - Warning

Police in Shropshire today warned people not to fall for a scam by cold callers claiming to be selling advertising or editorial space in "police" publications.

Officers received a report on Tuesday(AUG 25) from a concerned member of the public in Whitchurch, who had been contacted by a man claiming to be from a neighbouring police force.

The man then asked if the victim wanted to place an advert in a police publication, which he claimed would be circulated to farmers in the area, promoting crime prevention advice. When the caller asked for bank details to pay for the advert, the victim refused.

West Mercia Police does not employ cold calling tactics and does not conduct business in such a way.

Constable Howard Lewis, of Whitchurch Police, urged people never to give out any bank or personal details over the phone or in response to emails, whatever the person might claim.

"West Mercia Police and other police forces across Britain do not use cold calling to conduct such business and would never ask for financial details in such a manner," he said.

"Fortunately on this occasion, the victim did not give any bank details to the caller as their suspicions were raised and they reported the incident to us.

"Person's claiming to be calling from the police and asking for financial details should be treated with suspicion, no details given out and the incident reported to us on 0300 333 3000."

He said the same awareness should be applied to anybody who might call and ask for financial or other personal details.

"Anybody being asked to support or take part in any local initiative financially from a cold phonecall should be wary," Constable Lewis added.

"Whoever the person calling might claim to be, whether from an emergency service, charity or other local initiative, agree to nothing from a phone call and do not give any banking details out.

"Ask questions and find out how they got your details, also asking for their phone number and address. Then make further enquiries to ensure the request is genuine before donating anything.

"We would not discourage people from giving to charity or good causes, but people should always stop and think before donating anything to make sure their money is going to the use they intended."