Teenager arrested in Hampshire after person poses as police officer in bank account scam

A 16-year-old boy was arrested in Petersfield by police, as part of an investigation into an ongoing scam.

The scam involved a person phoning people up and pretending to be a police officer, telling people their bank accounts had been compromised.

They were then asked to take out large sums of money from their accounts, which was then collected by a courier in a taxi.

People in Petersfield and Portsmouth have been affected by the scam.

The 16-year-old, from London, was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

A spokesman from Hampshire Constabulary said: ‘We have received reports of attempts being made to con people in Petersfield and Portsmouth in recent weeks and months.

‘On Tuesday, we were called after a further attempt to scam a victim in their 70s in Petersfield. Officers attended and a 16-year-old boy from London was arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation.’

‘He has been released under investigation and enquiries are ongoing.

‘We want to remind everyone that police officers will never ask you to withdraw money from your bank account and hand it over to them. Neither will your bank.’

Anyone receiving calls like this is asked to hang up and call 101, or call their bank from a different phone.