Devon & Cornwall Police Warns of Rising Telephone Scams

Devon & Cornwall Police has issued a warning following a noticeable increase in reported telephone scams across the region in recent weeks. Scammers are targeting residents, pretending to be from trusted organisations such as banks or law enforcement.

Devon & Cornwall Police has issued a warning following a noticeable increase in reported telephone scams across the region in recent weeks. Scammers are targeting residents, pretending to be from trusted organisations such as banks or law enforcement. These scam calls may either be automated or from a live person, and their goal is to trick victims into sharing personal information or transferring money.

The scammers typically create a sense of urgency, advising victims that their account has been compromised or that they need to make immediate payments or transfers. They may ask for sensitive banking details, personal information, or even ask the victim to follow instructions provided in the call. In some cases, scammers will direct victims to fraudulent websites or email links, designed to steal personal details or install malware on their devices.

Devon & Cornwall Police stresses the importance of being cautious when receiving unsolicited phone calls, especially when the caller is requesting sensitive information or money. The force advises residents that no reputable organisation, including banks or the police, will ever call and ask for personal or financial details over the phone. If you receive a suspicious call, do not click any links, follow the instructions, or give out any information. Instead, contact the organisation directly through their official contact details to verify the call's authenticity.

Detective Inspector Helen Lewis from Devon & Cornwall Police’s Cyber Crime Unit commented, "Scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their methods, and it is essential that members of the public remain vigilant. We urge everyone to take the time to verify any unsolicited calls, and report any suspicious activity. It's better to be safe than sorry."

For further information, advice on how to spot scams, or to report an incident, residents are encouraged to visit Action Fraud, the UK's national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre. Devon & Cornwall Police also provides crime prevention advice on their official website to help people protect themselves from such scams.

Anyone who suspects they have been targeted by a scam is urged to report it immediately to Action Fraud or contact Devon & Cornwall Police for guidance.