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I wanted to provide you with an update regarding Fraud (e.g. bogus callers, courier fraud, cyber crime), which people around your area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the priority survey. We’re renewing our recent warning that the force has had numerous reports of residents receiving a phone call from someone using the old general Cleveland Police number of 01642 326 326 number which was in place until we switched to the 101 system.
Fraudsters are attempting to persuade residents to hand over their bank details and other personal information by the tactic of “spoofing.”
‘Spoofing’ is when the call appears on your device as a particular number, however this is to disguise the actual number they are calling from and the caller then purports to be a police officer in order for the caller to obtain details and then commit fraudulent activity using the resident’s details.
I would like to emphasise, these phone calls are not genuine, and they are not being made by a police officer or originating from Cleveland Police.
If you receive any calls like this from 01642 326 326 - please be cautious; what appears on your handset is not necessarily who is on the other end of the call. Do not pass on personal or bank information and end the call immediately as police or any other professional agencies such as banks would never ask for this information.
Finally, I’d urge our residents to make any more vulnerable friends or family members, especially those who may not be on social media - aware of this tactic.
It’s vital we get the message across to as many of our residents as possible. Together we can reduce the chances of people becoming victim of fraud.
Many thanks
Kev
DS 1955 Kev Appleby
Fraud Unit
Cleveland Police Middlesbrough HQ | Bridge Street West | Middlesbrough | TS2 1AB
Phone:101
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