Police are urging residents to put the phone down on a recent telephone scam where the suspect claims to be a police officer.
North Yorkshire Police have received at least three reports over the past two days of a person calling older people in the Knaresborough area, claiming they are a police officer, asking about a fictitious person in custody.
They have also been asking the resident if they are at home and when they will be out or returning home.
This is a scam, and police have urged residents to put the phone down, do not engage in conversation with the caller, and do not give any personal information to them.
If you are concerned that you may have been contacted by the scammer, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and pass information to our Force Control Room.
North Yorkshire Police say: “Although we have not received any reports of anyone physically calling at a property, please do be vigilant when it comes to any unexpected callers at your door. If you don’t know who it is, don’t answer the door, and keep your doors locked, even when you are at home.”
“If you’re unsure about whether the person you’re dealing with is a genuine police officer – stop – and call us on 101 to check their identity
“We recommend you wait at least five minutes or call on a different phone to ensure the scammer is not still on the line.”
More information about checking a police officers identity can be found on our website How to check an officer’s identity | North Yorkshire Police