West Midlands Police warn of scam calls from fraudsters posing as detectives
People are being urged to stay alert after reports of callers using a spoofed force number
People are being urged to be vigilant after reports of calls from people claiming to be from West Midlands Police.
According to the force, the calls appeared to come from a genuine West Midlands Police switchboard number, 0121 626 5000, but the offenders are believed to have used caller ID spoofing.
The offenders claimed to be detectives from West Midlands Police.
One person was told they would receive an email containing a link they needed to click.
The force said the offenders used fake officer names, collar numbers, log numbers and crime references, and asked questions in an effort to extract information.
An investigation is underway to identify who is responsible for the calls.
How to protect yourself
West Midlands Police have issued the following advice.
People can always ask a police officer for identification, as all officers carry a collar number and a warrant card.
Anyone in doubt is urged to call 101 to check that the details given to them are genuine.
Personal information should never be given out in response to an incoming call, particularly if the caller asks for anything that could affect someone financially, including bank details.
West Midlands Police said they will never ask anyone to disclose their PIN, card or bank details, whether in person, on the phone or online.
Anyone who receives such a call is advised to end it immediately, wait five minutes for the line to clear, or use a different phone, before contacting police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Anybody who believes they have received one of these calls can report it to police on 101 or via the force's website.
Further fraud prevention advice is available on the Report Fraud website at www.reportfraud.police.uk .