Fraudsters have been tricking Derbyshire residents out of money in a new scam where they claim to be police officers.

Derbyshire Constabulary is urging residents across the country to share details of the scam with friends and family in a bid to prevent more people from falling victim to it.

Explaining how the scam works, the force said: “The scammers have been contacting people within the postal code areas of DE22 and DE56, claiming to be a DC Matthew Phillips, PC Christy or Sergeant Atkins from a police station in Derby. They already know personal details, such as the residents’ name, address and basic banking details.

“The victim is asked to stay on the line and dial 999 to verify the identity of the ‘police officer’, however someone will answer the call pretending to be from Derbyshire police and will then verify the call. Due to the face the victim is asked to stay on the line and dial 999, the original call is never terminated and they remain in contact with the fraudster at all times.

“The caller goes on to say that he is investigating the unauthorised use of that person’s bank card at local stores such as M&S and Asda. The use of the locations that will be familiar to the victim makes the call appear more genuine.

“Secrecy is the key and victims are advised they should not tell anyone about this call as it may jeopardise the police investigation.”

Derbyshire Constabulary said this type of call can be linked to courier fraud.

The force said: “This means that victims will be encouraged to withdraw funds from their bank accounts or Euros from local bureau de change to give 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 bank information or request that you withdraw money from an account to aid an investigation.”

Anyone who receives a call like this is advised to hand up immediately and not give any personal information.

They should then wait five minutes and ensure they hear a dialling tone before calling the police on 101.

Incidents of this nature should also be reported to Action Fraud by calling 0300 120 2040.