Scam cop warning after calls to Sunderland homes from fake police officer

Northumbria Police is warning people to be on their guard after calls were made from a man claiming to be a police officer.

Two residents, both living in Fulwell, alerted Northumbria Police after they received calls from men saying he was working for the police.

Both incidents happened within the space of minutes of each other, with the first involving efforts to trick the person out of bank details and the second other information about their household.

The force has said no officers would call asking for such information and has urged people to put the phone down on conmen and "remain on their guard."

Any others to take such messages have been asked to make contact through the 101.

A spokesman said: "The reports we received involved a man calling claiming to be a police officer and when the people they were calling became suspicious and asked some questions, they hung up.

"We would ask anyone with information about such phone calls to contact police.

Two scam calls were made to residents in Sunderland within the space of a few minutes.

"We would ask members of the public to be vigilant."

The first incident was reported at 10.30am yesterday and the second at 10.56am.

Anyone with information or would like to report any similar calls can ring 101 or pass on information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through its website, crimestoppers-uk.org/.

Action Fraud is on hand to give details about how to spot the signs of fraud and how to report it through its site, www.actionfraud.police.uk/.