Avon and Somerset Police has urged residents in the Burnham-On-Sea area to be on high alert after receiving multiple reports of fraudsters telephoning people while pretending to be police officers in an attempt to steal money and personal information.
The force says callers have been contacting people across the region claiming to be officers from Avon and Somerset Police, often telling victims their personal data has been compromised or that their bank accounts are at risk of fraud.
In some cases, the fraudsters claim a suspect has been arrested and that the victim’s details have been found during an investigation. To make the calls appear genuine, victims may even be given what looks like an official crime or case reference number.
Police say the aim of the calls is to gain trust before attempting to defraud the victim.
People are often told their finances are in danger and instructed to transfer money into a so‑called “safe account” or provide sensitive banking information. In reality, any such account would be controlled by criminals.
Officers warn that the callers can sound extremely professional and convincing, and some victims have reported that the fraudsters appeared to know personal information about them, including details and nicknames not normally publicly available.
Reports also suggest the fraudsters are using technology to make calls appear as though they are coming from genuine Avon and Somerset Police telephone numbers.
Some people who have tried calling the number back have been diverted to the force’s control room, leading them to believe the original call was legitimate.
The scam is not limited to the Avon and Somerset area, with reports coming from people living elsewhere in the country who say callers falsely claimed to represent the force.
Fraud protect officer Amy Samotyj said the criminals are “highly convincing” and often use tactics designed to create urgency and pressure.
She stressed that police will never ask anyone to move money, transfer funds to a “safe account”, withdraw cash, buy gift cards, hand over bank cards or disclose banking security information as part of an investigation.
She added that anyone receiving a call of this nature should end the call immediately and independently verify who has contacted them before taking any action.
How to protect yourself
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the police:
- Remember that fraudsters can spoof telephone numbers, so a genuine-looking number does not guarantee the call is genuine.
- Police will never ask you to move money into a “safe account”. This will belong to a criminal who intends to steal your money.
- Police will never ask you to withdraw cash, purchase goods, buy gift cards, or hand over bank cards to assist with an investigation.
- Fraudsters may provide a crime reference number, collar number or other details that appear official. Do not rely on these as proof that the caller is genuine – always verify with the organisation, using the contact details provided on their official website.
- Never share banking passwords, PINs, one-time passcodes or other financial security information over the phone.
- End the call if you feel pressured or are being told to act urgently.
- A genuine police officer will never object to you ending the call to verify their identity.
To check whether a call is genuine, contact police on 101 or, in an emergency, 999. Ideally use a different phone, or allow time for the line to clear before making the call.
Alternatively, visit your nearest police station and speak to an officer in person.
Anyone who believes they may have been targeted is encouraged to report it to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040. If money has already been transferred, victims should contact their bank immediately.
