Warning after fake police officer attempts to swindle money from Lancashire victim in phone scam

A woman was threatened with arrest after a fake police officer phoned her claiming she owed tax money, prompting a warning from police.
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A woman claiming to be a police officer called the victim’s number and claimed she owed tax money in Rossendale last Friday (September 4).

She was then threatened with arrest if she did not pay it.

When the victim questioned the caller and asked for a contact telephone number for the police, they were given an old legitimate police number.

Officers are urging members of the public to spread the word to those who aren’t on Facebook or other social media sites.Officers are urging members of the public to spread the word to those who aren’t on Facebook or other social media sites.
Officers are urging members of the public to spread the word to those who aren’t on Facebook or other social media sites.
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The offender then called back from the number they had given to make it appear genuine, but it had been spoofed - meaning the Caller ID had been deliberately changed to make it appear as if they were calling from the real number.

Officers are now urging members of the public to spread the word to those who aren’t on Facebook or other social media sites and to those who are particularly elderly or vulnerable.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: "A police officer or anyone from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) who deal with taxes, will never contact you and ask for money to be transferred over the phone in that way.

"We aren’t aware of any other similar reports made recently, however, we would ask that you remain vigilant."

If you receive any calls of this nature, report them to police immediately either on 101 or online HERE.

To get more information about fraud visit Lancashire Police's website HERE.