Fraudsters are using West Yorkshire Police phone numbers to scam people out of thousands of pounds

Fraudsters have been using West Yorkshire Police telephone numbers to scam people out of thousands of pounds.
By Joe Cooper
Published 19th Apr 2021, 12:40 GMT
Updated 19th Apr 2021, 12:42 GMT
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West Yorkshire Police is investigating three incidents where fraudsters have ‘spoofed’ numbers found on its website to trick people into believing that demands for money are from genuine police officers.

Spoofing involves the caller changing the number which appears on a Caller ID and, according to Ofcom’s website, accounts for a significant and growing proportion of nuisance calls.

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Two people have transferred thousands of pounds to criminals as a result.

Photo: Shutterstock.Photo: Shutterstock.
Photo: Shutterstock.

It comes as the Yorkshire Evening Post continues its Stop the Scammers campaign, which aims to educate people on spotting the signs and where support is available if you fall victim to fraud.

Detective Inspector Leanne Walker, of West Yorkshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “The callers in these incidents have either claimed to be police officers or representatives of partner agencies, and when people have checked the numbers they were called from, they appear as numbers used by the force – which sadly appears to have convinced two people to transfer thousands of pounds.

“I would like to once again remind people that neither the police, or any of our partner agencies would call someone to request personal banking details or ask you to transfer money to other bank accounts.”

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Anyone who receives a call of this nature should hang up immediately and report the matter by calling 101, or to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or www.actionfraud.police.uk/contact-us

The Yorkshire Evening Post's Stop The Scammers campaign aims to raise awareness of scams and help our readers to spot the signs.The Yorkshire Evening Post's Stop The Scammers campaign aims to raise awareness of scams and help our readers to spot the signs.
The Yorkshire Evening Post's Stop The Scammers campaign aims to raise awareness of scams and help our readers to spot the signs.

More information about fraud and financial crime can be found on West Yorkshire Police's website.

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