Criminals are experts at #TheArtOfImpersonation – convincingly pretending to be acting on behalf of the police. On Thursday 23 February 2023 an elderly Aberdeen resident received a telephone call from a female (NFD) who claimed to be calling on behalf of Police Scotland.The caller asked who lived at the home address and how old they were, advising that as they were between 60 and 80 years old they would qualify for a free home security system and this would only require an annual maintenance cost.Following a further call, a well-dressed male attended at the address, who was confronted by the resident’s family. The male could not provide any ID. A call to Police Scotland confirmed that there was no such scheme. North East Division Crime Reduction Officer Constable Irvine said: “We urge people to remain vigilant to criminals making contact by telephone in an attempt to separate them from their money. Do not entertain anyone who contacts you by telephone and directs you to free schemes, free CCTV or to transfer money to a different bank account. If you believe you have been a victim of a telephone scam, contact Police Scotland on 101”The Police or your bank will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account or contact you to ask for your full PINs, passwords or passcodes. They also do not provide security systems with annual fees payable. If you receive a request asking for money, follow Take Five Stop Fraud’s advice and #StopChallengeProtect. HOW TO SPOT IMPERSONATION FRAUDYou receive a call, text, email or DM with an urgent request for your personal or financial information, to make a payment or move moneyYou receive a message from a friend or family member requesting financial assistance often with an urgent reason such as them being stranded overseas or requiring medical helpYou’re pressured to act immediately. The caller pressures you to rush causing a level of panic. Texts or messages may include a ‘hook’ to grab your attention, for example the criminal might say your money is at risk and you need to act to save it, or suggest you will get a reward if you do what they askYou’re asked to transfer money to another account for ‘safe-keeping’You’re asked to purchase high value goods/vouchers to cover the cost of fines. They might also ask you pay a bill for tax or utilities or provide financial details to receive a rebateYou’re asked for cash or a payment as part of a police investigation or told money in your account needs to be analysed as part of an ongoing investigationThe sender’s email address is ever so slightly different to that of the genuine senderMore information can be found here
