***Residents are being warned to be on their guard against criminals phoning them claiming to be from the police.***

This week we have received two reports in South Worcestershire (Leigh & Severn Stoke) where residents have been contacted by men claiming to be police officers in London. The men told them that they were investigating fraud on their bank account.

Remember, no police officer from any force or department and no bank or other organisation will ever ask you to make a payment, withdraw or transfer money or ask for your bank details.

Even if someone provides all your details correctly on the phone, it can still be a scam. If in doubt, don’t be afraid to hang up, wait ten minutes and call whatever company they say they are and directly check if it is legitimate.

If you have any elderly or vulnerable relatives, friends or neighbours please share this message with them so that we can help to keep them safe. These scams can be extremely convincing and manipulative.

Incidents like these are being tackled as part of Operation Prospero, which directly targets offenders posing as police officers, working in conjunction with Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cyber-crime reporting centre.

For more information about door-to-door and courier fraud please visit our website: Door-to-door and courier fraud | West Mercia Police

Anyone who thinks they may have been contacted by a bogus police officer should call 101 or report it via our website: Report a crime | West Mercia Police

If you are in immediate risk, always call 999.