Fraudster Claims to be from West Midlands Police in Card Scam

Scammers claiming to be from West Midlands Police are fraudulently calling members of the public and asking for money.

The fraudster, who has been identified as male by a number of his victims, has been targeting vulnerable members of society in the Belper and Heage areas of Derbyshire. Claiming their cards have been cloned, the man asks his victims to withdraw an amount of cash so that it can be forensically examined by the police.

Derbyshire police have received a number of reports from people who have been contacted by the scammer, both successfully and unsuccessfully. In some cases, a courier was sent to the victim's address to collect the cash and in others, the man has been escorting the victims to the bank to withdraw the funds.

A spokesperson from Derbyshire police said:

"The fraudsters have primarily been targeting elderly and vulnerable members of society, with varying degrees of success."

"We want to make it clear that no police force would ever ask people to withdraw money so that it can be forensically examined. We would also never send a courier to pick it up, or someone to escort you to the bank."

"If anyone receives a similar call, they should take as many details of the caller as they can and then contact police."

"Do not give any personal details and do not withdraw any money. If you are unsure, hang up, wait a few minutes and call your bank's fraud department."

"We also want people to give this message to any parents, grandparents, elderly neighbours or anyone they know who could be vulnerable to this type of crime."

If you have been accused of fraud or are a victim of fraudulent activity, contact our criminal solicitors on 01332 370 473 for advice.

The Johnson Partnership

Criminal Solicitors