Warning as scammers use real police phone number

Scammers are impersonating police officers to try to persuade their potential victims to pay them money over the phone, a force has warned.

Merseyside Police has urged the public to be vigilant after scammers also used a technique called ID spoofing to make it look like they were calling from the force's switchboard.

The warning has been issued after people on Merseyside reported they had received calls from the force's genuine number 0151 709 6010.

Merseyside Police, which said an investigation was under way to find the scammers, stressed that no officer should ever ask someone for their PIN or bank account details.

"Impersonating a police officer is a criminal offence and it's something we take extremely seriously," Det Ch Insp Alan Nuttall said.

"We will not hesitate to investigate any reports whether on people's doorsteps, on the phone or online so that we can take action and bring offenders to justice.

"Shamefully, offenders like this often deliberately target the most vulnerable in our community.

"I would ask people to take a few minutes to speak to friends or relatives who may be vulnerable to such a scam so they are aware of the risks and have the right advice and guidance.

"There are a number of steps you and they can take to try to prevent this from happening: You can always ask a police officer for identification. All our officers have a collar number and a warrant card.

"If in any doubt, you can always check the name, collar number and crime reference numbers provided are genuine by calling 101.

"If you suspect someone is impersonating a police officer please contact police."

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