Warning issued after bogus police officer cons Hampshire pensioners out of £12,000

HAMPSHIRE Constabulary has issued a warning after a bogus police officer has conned victims out of £12,000.
By Neil Fatkin
Published 15th Jan 2020, 16:18 BST
Updated 18th Jan 2020, 10:43 BST
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Fraud officers have warned people against handing over money to a courier following instructions by a caller claiming to be a police officer.

The instructions have been given during a phone call in which the bogus officer informs people they are investigating fraud in the the local area before instructing people to withdraw money from their bank account which will be collected by a courier.

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Police have warned against bogus callers pretending to be a police officer. Picture: PAPolice have warned against bogus callers pretending to be a police officer. Picture: PA
Police have warned against bogus callers pretending to be a police officer. Picture: PA
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A police spokesman said: ‘So far, we have received nine reports, which took place between January 6 and 16. Two of the victims, a 78 and 80-year-old woman, both from Petersfield, handed over around £6,000 each to a courier. In the other seven instances offences were identified before the attendance of the courier.’

The police have stressed that ‘officers will never call people in this way and ask you to withdraw money or disclose personal or financial information’.

The spokesman added: ‘If this happens, hang up as it will be a scam’.