If your phone rings and a "police officer" asks for your bank details — it’s probably not about a speeding ticket. It’s a scam, and it’s hitting some of the most vulnerable in our communities.
In this publication, we're uncovering a brazen new phone scam that’s been targeting elderly residents — and it’s more sinister than most. Let’s dive in.
Scammers are impersonating police officers to gain trust, then asking victims for money or banking information over the phone. The calls are calm, calculated, and convincing — and they’ve already sparked warnings from real law enforcement.
How It Works:
- The Call: An elderly resident receives a phone call from someone claiming to be a police officer. The caller may even use a real name or badge number.
- The Warm-Up: The scammer starts with friendly conversation — small talk, vague details about an investigation, or reassurance that the victim is not in trouble.
- The Ask: Once trust is established, the caller shifts the tone — asking for help with an “urgent investigation,” and requesting bank details, PINs, or even a cash handover “for evidence purposes.”
Who’s Targeted:
- Primarily elderly residents, especially those living alone or in quieter communities.
- The scam is currently active in Retford, Nottinghamshire, but similar impersonation scams have occurred across the UK and beyond.
Real-Life Example:
Nottinghamshire Police have issued a public warning after multiple residents were targeted. Detective Sergeant Tara Clapperton didn’t mince words, calling it a “brazen and sinister scam.” She added:
“No genuine officer would ever ask for financial details or money over the phone... anyone receiving such a call should contact us without delay.”
While the force hasn’t disclosed how many were contacted or if money was stolen, the alarm is loud and clear: these scammers are bold and active.
Why You Should Care:
These scams don’t just drain bank accounts — they break trust in the very people meant to protect us. Falling for this con could mean:
- Financial loss — often irreversible.
- Emotional distress — especially for older victims who already feel isolated.
- Loss of independence — families may feel pressured to intervene or limit phone access.
And even if you wouldn’t fall for it, your parents or grandparents might.
How to Protect Yourself:
• Hang up immediately if someone claiming to be a police officer asks for money or banking information.
• Verify independently. Call your local police department using a number from their official website — not the number that called you.
• Talk to your loved ones. Especially elderly family members who may not be aware of the scam.
• Block unknown numbers and report suspicious calls to Action Fraud in the UK or your local fraud reporting agency.
• Stay updated by following your local police department’s social channels or community bulletins.
Quick Tips:
🔹 Did you know? Legitimate police officers never ask for money, banking information, or PIN numbers over the phone. Ever.
🔹 Pro Tip: If a call sounds even slightly off — end it. You’re not being rude; you’re being smart.
Stay safe, stay informed.
Key Definitions:
- Impersonation Scam: A fraud where someone pretends to be a trusted authority figure (like a police officer) to trick victims into revealing sensitive information.
- Vishing: Voice phishing — using phone calls to steal personal or financial information.
- Action Fraud: The UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
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