Four men have been arrested in an operation led by the Hertford-based phone scam task force and involving Hertfordshire and Essex police.
A series of warrants were carried out across North London yesterday (Wednesday May 28).
The warrants were led by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit’s (ERSOU*) Hertford-based phone scam taskforce and targeted those believed to be involved in phone scams in Norfolk and Suffolk.
ERSOU officers, supported by staff from Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk, executed warrants at five addresses.
The team was also supported by the Metropolitan Police Service.
An 18-year-old man, a 24-year-old man and a 26-year-old man from London were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.
A 23-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of theft.
All the men arrested have been bailed until Thursday, July 10.
Money and electronic devices were seized from the addresses searched by officers.
ERSOU Detective Chief Inspector Jon Gilbert said: “These latest warrants carried out yesterday show how we are committed in ensuring the region is a hostile place for anyone involved in phone scams and organised crime.
“We will continue to pursue those believed to be involved in this type of crime and make arrests; however the public should still be aware of the scam operating across the region.
“The elderly and vulnerable do tend to be targeted and so we’d urge people to share the following advice with their relatives, friends and neighbours.
“If you are suspicious about a telephone conversation you should end the call and contact police via the non-emergency number, 101.
“Remember to use a mobile phone or a friend’s phone or wait at least five minutes before calling to ensure you aren’t reconnected to the offender.
“Please also remember that your bank and the police would never ask for your bank account details or PIN number over the phone, never ask you to withdraw money and send it to them and never ask you to send them your bank cards or any other personal property.”
For further information about phone scams visit www.herts.police.uk/PhoneScams.
