Warning: Fake police phone call scam targeting Derbyshire residents

Residents across Derbyshire are urged to stay alert following a number of calls from criminals posing as police officers and bank fraud teams who need bank cards or money transferring for an ‘investigation’.

Victims are contacted by callers claiming to be police officers, bank fraud investigators or members of specialist ‘fraud teams’.

The caller often sounds professional and convincing and may claim:

In some cases, victims are told someone will attend their address to collect bank cards, cash, or documents.

The aim of these calls is to create fear and urgency, pressuring people to comply before they have time to verify the information.

Fraud Protect Officer Tammy Barnes said: “The police will never contact you to request banking information or ask for funds to aid an investigation.

“No genuine police officer or bank will:

“If you are asked to do any of these things, especially if they pressure you to act quickly, it is a scam. Hang up and ring the police or your bank via a trusted number - such as the number on the back of your card or 159 - from a different phone.”

We have received reports of these calls targeting people in the DE21, DE22, DE72, DE73 and S41 postcodes. However, we believe people are being contacted across the entire county.

If you receive a call of this nature, hang up immediately. Do not share any personal or banking details, or agree to transfer money or hand over cards.

If you wish to phone your bank or the police to report the call, wait five minutes after ending the scam call and make sure you hear a dial tone. This helps ensure the caller has fully disconnected and cannot remain on the line. Using a different phone is even safer if possible.

How to report

Remember: Stop! Think Fraud.

Pause, question the call, and speak to someone you trust before taking any action.

Sharing this advice with friends, family, and neighbours - particularly those who may be more vulnerable - can help prevent others from becoming victims.

The Banking Protocol

Banks and other money management services (such as travel money shops) play a vital role in protecting customers.

In one incident, a woman was prevented from transferring thousands of pounds after bank staff identified suspicious circumstances and correctly invoked the Banking Protocol for fraud, which stopped the transaction and contacted the police for an immediate response.

This serves as an important reminder that banks are trained to spot red flags – such as someone being encouraged to withdraw or transfer large sums of money, and being rushed or pressured to lie about why they need to complete this transaction.