Residents in the Newtown area are being warned to be on their toes for a man purporting to be a police officer from the London area making hoax phone calls, according to Dyfed Powys Police.
The man is contacting local residents to discuss details of an incident in which their card has been used fraudulently.
He is then asking that residents call a number he provides to obtain a crime reference number. On some occasions he has stated he is either PC or DC Lawrence.
Police are asking the public to remain vigilant, report any suspicious calls and follow the below advice.
Do:
Make a note of the callers details, including name, rank, collar number and station.
Note any contact details from caller display, or via 1471 after the call has ended.
Block the number that called you.
End the call. Say you will contact the police directly to confirm the caller’s identity and be put through internally.
Ring a family member before you make your next phone call. This is to make sure the line has disconnected from the initial (suspected fraud) caller.
If anyone calls at your address following this suspected fraud caller, call 999.
Don’t:
Hand out any personal or financial details
Engage in conversation. Hang up.
Make any arrangements to hand over any cash or card
We would also ask that members of the public share this advice with any friends or family that may not have online access.
If you receive a similar call, contact Dyfed-Powys Police either online: bit.ly/DPPContactOnline, email 101@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk or call 101.
If you have fallen victim to a scammer, report it by calling 101, or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
For further advice and information on how to avoid being scammed visit www.actionfraud.police.uk.