Fraudsters impersonate officers and steal Skegness residents savings
Criminals posing as police convinced victims to withdraw cash and hand it over during fake investigations
Police are urging residents to stay alert after two people in Skegness were conned into handing over large sums of cash to fraudsters impersonating police officers.
The incidents happened on Wednesday 28 January, and involved criminals using convincing and elaborate stories to pressure victims into withdrawing their savings.
In both cases, the victims were initially contacted by phone by someone claiming to be a police officer investigating alleged fraud or money laundering linked to their bank account.
The callers gave names to sound legitimate – in one case claiming to be “DC Martin from the Met Police” – and told victims their money needed to be withdrawn as part of the investigation.
Victims were instructed to hand over the cash so it could supposedly be checked for fingerprints and were warned not to tell anyone, particularly bank staff, as it would “compromise” the investigation.
Police stress that these tactics are designed to manipulate and isolate victims, and that the criminals involved can be extremely convincing.
A Lincolnshire police spokesperson said: “A police officer will NEVER, under any circumstances, ask you to take money out of your account and hand it over as part of an investigation. We will NEVER ask for your PIN number, your bank card, or ask you to purchase items or vouchers.”
In both incidents, a “password” had been agreed in advance and was given by the man who attended the addresses. The suspect was reported to be wearing a face mask on both occasions.
Although both cases occurred in Skegness, police warn that this type of fraud is not confined to one area. Criminals often target one location before moving on elsewhere, meaning anyone across the county could be at risk.
Anyone who receives a call claiming to be from the police and asking for money, bank details, or secrecy should end the call immediately and report it. If you believe you or someone you know may have been targeted, contact police as soon as possible.