Surrey Police are warning residents over a fraudulent phone scam in Epsom.
Epsom and Ewell Police posted a short message to residents Monday (June 3) warning those in the Epsom area of fraudsters demanding money from residents by calling them and falsely claiming they worked for Surrey Police.
Responding to a request from the Comet, Surrey Police issued a more comprehensive warning for residents in Epsom and the surrounding area on Tuesday (June 4).
A spokesperson said that Surrey Police were aware of "four very similar cases" in the Epsom area where a fraudster attempted to extract money from his target by impersonating a police officer.
"In each case the caller has been a variation of the name Collins, with examples including DC Michael Collins, Max Collins and DC Martin Collins, and says he’s from Surrey Police’s Epsom office.
"Each time he claims that he’s investigating fraud, counterfeiting or criminal activity at a bank, and asks for the victim to withdraw a substantial amount of money to assist in enquiries.
"The caller appears authentic and even encourages the victim to call 999 to check his identity (but then remaining on the line so that when the victim makes the call, they're unknowingly connected straight back to the fraudster or their accomplices.
"The fraudster then arranges for someone to collect the money, often agreeing a code word or password with the victim, again so that they believe they are doing the right thing and exercising caution," the spokesperson said, describing the fraud operation in detail.
Surrey Police currently run anti-fraud work under the name "Operation Signature", aimed at protecting those most vulnerable to fraudsters.
Police said that through Operation Signature they also support victims of fraudulent activity as mentioned above, including:
- Helping them to change their phone number to an ex-directory number
- Contacting family to suggest power of attorney
- Mail re-direction
- Offering them advice on call blocking devices
- Referring them to other support services
As the countywide force continue to deal with the "Collins" fraudulent phone call scheme, the Surrey Police spokesperson issued some clear and concise advice to Epsom residents about avoiding being duped by the person or people behind it.
The spokesperson said: "Please remember under no circumstances would the bank or police request a card PIN or security details over the telephone, or arrange collection of bank cards or money from a home address
"If you suspect that you have been caught in one of these scams but the money hasn’t been collected and you believe the courier is on their way to you, call 999 and we will send officers out to you."
The police advice added that no-one need be embarrassed report a scam and urged anyone asked to verify a caller's identity by calling their stated organization to use a different phone.
To report a fraud, go online at: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or call 101 for Surrey Police if the victim is elderly or vulnerable.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here