South Yorkshire Police posted a scam alert as three incidents were reported from people notifying them that they have been contacted by a ‘sergeant’ from ‘Sheffield police station’, advising them they have a relative in custody.
Some details of the conversation in the calls were also shared.
The ‘sergeant’ first provides a collar number and claims to be called ‘Thomas’ or ‘Baldwin’.
South Yorkshire Police said: “Our officers will never call you and ask for personal details in this way.”
They said the calls are not genuine but they believe that the suspects may be trying to obtain the personal information of the people they contact.
Furthermore, they have urged people to stay alert and have said: “If you have received a call and you are unsure if it is genuine, hang up the phone and call us back on 101 from a different phone to double-check. If you don’t have an alternative phone available, wait 30 minutes after you have hung up before you call us back as fraudsters may stay on the line.
“If you believe you have been a victim of this scam, you can make a report to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.”
Keeping in mind that the senior, elderly or vulnerable could also be targeted, they want people to pass this information to them as much as they can.
