POLICE are warning people about scam calls that appear genuine from the number.
West Mercia Police are highlighting that Action Fraud has had more than 2,000 reports about the scam calls nationally, that appear to come from a number that’s similar to the victim’s own mobile number.
The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has also been warning the public to be vigilant of the scam calls.
In the scam the first seven digits match the victim's own number, and the calls impersonate well-known government organisations, or law enforcement agencies.
The scam involves targetting the recipient of the call to “press 1” in order to speak with an advisor, or police officer, about unpaid fines or police warrants, before the attempt to take money.
Action Fraud reported 2,110 scam calls in May 2021, and of those 1,426 referred to HMRC or National Insurance, in the attempt to get the money.
If you receive a suspicious text message, you can report it for free by forwarding the message to 7726.
Suspicious telephone or mobile calls can be reported to Action Fraud via their website police.uk/report-phishing
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