Fake police officers get £78,000 from elderly in fraud

Fraudsters pretending to be police officers have scammed Peterborough residents out of £78,000, it has been revealed.

There have been 27 incidents across Cambridgeshire - including 15 in Peterborough - of conmen pretending to be officers to trick elderly residents out of cash.

In the 15 Peterborough incidents - all targeting residents who are aged in the late 60s or older - the crooks have tried to take a total of £118,000 - and have successfully got away with £78,000 worth of goods and cash, including watches and Apple products. Police say some of the money has already been recovered.

Police are trying to trace a hatchback car, which was used in at least one of the frauds.

Detective Constable Louise Mann said: “Your bank and the police will never ask you to withdraw cash , reveal your Pin number or passwords or purchase high value goods that they will then collect from your home address. If you believe you have been a victim of fraud you should contact Action Fraud any time of the day or night using their online fraud reporting tool or by calling 0300 123 2040.

“Please make sure that you inform all you elderly family members who do not have access to our online messages.” Anyone who has seen the car or who has information regarding this incident should call police on 101 quoting CF0087850218 or visit www.cambs.police. uk/report.