Hertfordshire residents are being warned about fraudsters impersonating police officers and claiming that personal information has been stolen in a cyber-attack.
Hertfordshire Constabulary said one resident received a call from a woman who knew their name and claimed to be a detective from Essex Police’s Cyber Crime Unit.
The caller supplied a genuine police contact number, an officer identification number and a crime reference. She also offered to meet the resident at a police station if they wanted reassurance.
Checks with Essex Police established that the officer did not exist. Police said similar calls had been reported across the region, including callers claiming to represent Hertfordshire’s Cyber Crime Unit.
Fraudsters may use these approaches to obtain personal information or persuade people to give them remote access to phones and computers.
How to protect yourself
Police advise residents receiving unexpected calls to:
- Never disclose a PIN, password or security code.
- Never withdraw cash or buy expensive items at a caller’s request.
- Never hand bank cards, money or valuables to a courier claiming to act for police or a bank.
- Never give an unexpected caller remote access to a device.
- End the call if anything feels suspicious and verify the caller independently.
A caller knowing your name or providing an officer number does not prove they are genuine.
Checking and reporting a suspicious call
Contact police independently on 101 or report the incident at herts.police.uk/report.
Use a different phone where possible. If calling back from the same landline, police advise waiting at least five minutes, as fraudsters may keep the connection open after you hang up.
If you are concerned about your bank account, contact your bank using a trusted number, such as the one printed on your bank card, or visit a branch.
Call 999 in an emergency or if a crime is in progress.
Residents are encouraged to share the warning with relatives and friends, particularly anyone who may be vulnerable to convincing callers.
Source: Hertfordshire Constabulary