Pensioner Loses £2,500 in Fake Police Officer Scam in South Cumbria
A pensioner in South Cumbria has lost £2,500 after falling victim to a scam involving fraudsters impersonating police officers, prompting police to urge residents to remain vigilant.
According to Cumbria Constabulary, three older residents in Ulverston and Grange-over-Sands were targeted by callers claiming to be police officers. While one victim handed over £2,500, the other two did not lose any money.
Police have identified the incidents as cases of courier fraud, a scam in which criminals impersonate trusted officials to persuade victims to hand over cash, bank details or valuable possessions.
Fraudsters often pretend to be police officers, bank employees or members of an internal investigation team. They may already know some personal information about their targets, such as their names, dates of birth or banking details, making their claims appear convincing.
The callers then attempt to create panic and pressure victims into acting quickly. They may instruct people to withdraw money, transfer funds electronically or hand cash and valuable items to someone posing as a courier.
Detective Constable Claire Keyes of Cumbria Constabulary warned that these criminals are often persuasive and persistent, deliberately exploiting the trust of older and vulnerable people. She urged residents to speak with older relatives, friends and neighbours about the risks and encourage them to be cautious when receiving unexpected calls from people claiming to hold official positions.
Police stressed that genuine officers and banks will never ask people to disclose their PINs over the phone, withdraw or transfer money for an investigation, or hand cash and valuables to a courier. Residents should also be wary of requests to download software, purchase gift cards or expensive items, or conceal transactions from their bank.
Anyone who suspects they are speaking to a fraudster should end the call immediately. As scammers may keep a telephone line open after the victim hangs up, police recommend waiting five minutes or using a different phone before contacting a bank or the authorities through a trusted number. People can contact Cumbria Police on 101to report concerns. They can also call 159to connect with their bank's fraud prevention service.
Police are encouraging the community to share the warning with older relatives and neighbours, emphasising that a brief conversation could help prevent further financial losses and emotional distress.
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