Warning issued after fraudsters impersonate police

West Mercia Police has issued a warning after the force received multiple reports of fraudsters impersonating police officers.

Three incidents were reported in Herefordshire – two in Hereford and one in Ross-on-Wye – while another was reported in Tenbury Wells, Worcestershire.

In each incident, the con artists claimed to be a "Detective Warren Mason" or "Detective Mason Warren" from "Brixon Police".

A man in his 20s was arrested on Thursday on suspicion of attempted fraud in connection with the incident in Ross-on-Wye. He remains helping officers with their enquiries.

Courier fraud is when a fraudster phones their victim and claims to be from the police or another law enforcement authority or the bank.

People are then duped into revealing their PIN and credit or debit card details or asked to hand over cash or buy a high value items, which then advise them to hand over to a 'courier', according to the force.

Det Sgt Polly Price said: "Courier fraudsters can seem convincing, but no police officer from any force will ever ask you to make a payment or purchase, withdraw or transfer money or ask for your bank details.

"If anyone does it will be a scam.

"Put the phone down and call the police or your bank from another landline or mobile to check, not the one you were called on."

Anyone who thinks they may have been contacted by a bogus police officer have been urged by police to call 101.

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