The force has received numerous reports of residents receiving a phone call from someone using the old general Cleveland Police number of 01642 326 326 which was in place until it switched to the 101 system.
Fraudsters are still attempting to persuade residents to hand over their bank details and their personal information by the tactic of “spoofing.”
“Spoofing” is when the call appears on a device as a particular number. However this is to disguise the actual number they are calling from and the caller pretends to be a police officer in order to obtain ‘ personal information – often including bank details – before committing fraudulent activity using these details.
Detective Sgt Kev Appleby, of the force’s Economic Crime Unit, said: “Please remember, 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. 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.”
He added: “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 victims of fraud.”
