Police Impersonation Scams

24th August 2023

Police Scotland have warned about a been a recent increase in scammers posing as police officers.

One woman from Renfrewshire lost £25,000 after being cold called by someone claiming to be from the fraud department of her bank, who said that her bank account had been compromised.

Later that day, two men visited her property, claiming to be detectives investigating bank fraud. They were carrying Police Scotland ID badges which were later found to be fake.

They managed to persuade her to transfer £25,000 to a 'safe account'.

How to Avoid

How to Check an Officer's Identity
If Police Scotland contact you, they will do so in person, by phone or by email. This will depend on the circumstances surrounding why they need to contact you.

Contact in Person
If an officer contacts you in person, they’ll show you their police warrant card. This is proof of their identity and authority and you can verify this by dialling 101.

Contact by Phone and Email
If an officer needs to speak to you on the phone or by email, they'll identify themselves clearly.

They will never:
ask you for your bank details or PIN
ask you to transfer funds to another account
ask you to hand over cash or bank cards to a courier
ask you to pay a fine or a fee to them or a third party over the phone or online
ask you for remote access to your computer, passwords or log on details over the phone or online
ask you to register personal details in an attachment they send or website they direct towards
ask you to 'assist' in an investigation by doing any of the above
communicate in an abusive, threatening or coercive manner
ask you to click on a hyperlink to participate in an investigation

If you're unsure about whether the person you're dealing with is a genuine police officer, call 101 to check their identity.

You should also contact 101 if you think you've been a victim of fraud.

Find out More

Police Scotland video about impersonation scams: https://biteable.com/watch/3449618/c01f1e13a725df1d4882e64fa00460c2

Police Scotland website: https://www.scotland.police.uk/advice-and-information/scams-and-frauds/