Fake police telephone scam

Gloucestershire Constabulary are warning communities in Stroud, Gloucester, and Tewkesbury of a telephone scam. We have received three reports from residents who were called by fake police officers and bank officials. In each case the victim was told that their bank account had been compromised and that there was a a “covert investigation” to catch the culprits. The victims were instructed to purchase foreign currency which they had to hand over - along with their bank cards - to a “police courier” who came to their address.

The average victim of courier fraud in Gloucestershire is 78 years old. Please help us raise awareness of this scam by informing your elderly or vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours.  Further advice on keeping yourself safe from fraud can be found on our website at Fraud PROTECT.

We are unable to accept reports of crime through Your Neighbourhood Alerts. If you have been targeted with this scam please report it to Action Fraud.  Always call 999 in an emergency.