Swadlincote Police have warned the public to beware of a phone scam that has seen increased numbers in the DE11 and South Derbyshire area.

They say the scammers are impersonating police officers investigating a fraud on your bank account.

Police say this has led to 'significant financial loss'.

Swadlincote's Safer Neighbourhood Team posted the warning on their Facebook page and said: "We're alerting those in the South Derbyshire area, particularly within the postal code areas of DE11, to a scam call that we have had an increased number of calls about over the past few weeks.

"This type of scam has led to significant financial loss.

"The call is from someone impersonating a police officer who will say they are calling from the London area and are investigating a fraud on your bank account.

"They may also tell you that someone has attempted to use your bank account/ money has been debited from your account, or that money is being laundered through your account, and might advise you not to tell anyone about this call in case it jeopardises the police investigation.

"We're aware that a number of different names have been used by this scammer including DS Paul Antony, DC Morris, DC Ryan, DC Clarke and Sergeant Wiggins.

"If you receive such a call you should not give out any personal information and hang up the call immediately.

"We know that this type of call can be linked to courier fraud.

"This means that victims will be encouraged to withdraw funds from their bank account or give bank cards to a courier, arranged by the 'police officer' making the call under the guise of 'assisting with a police investigation'.

"The police will never contact you asking for banking information or request that you withdraw money from an account to aid an investigation.

"Your bank will never ask you to transfer money to a safe account for fraud or investigation reasons, even if they say the account is in your name.

"Fraudsters often target geographical areas where they know elderly or vulnerable people live, so we would ask that if you have family or friends who are vulnerable in any way that you make them aware of this scam.

"If you, or someone you know, receives a call of this nature please contact us as soon as possible.

"We will then assess the area that is being targeted, alert the banks and endeavour to protect other local residents to prevent any financial loss.

• Facebook – send a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary
• Twitter – direct message the contact centre on @DerPolContact
• Website – complete the online contact form www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.
• Phone – call us on 101.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing you can also text on 07800 002414 or email us at [email protected]."

Police have also advised the action you should take if you receive a call like this.

They added: "On receiving a call of this nature please terminate the call, wait five minutes and ensure you can hear a dial tone before calling 101, to call your bank please use the number found on the back of your card.

"All reports of this nature also need to be reported to Action Fraud 0300 120 2040 or online Action Fraud

For further fraud advice and prevention information please contact your local Fraud Protect Officer [email protected]