North Yorkshire Police has warned residents to be "on their guard" against fraudsters after a new telephone scam saw one person lose "thousands of pounds."
As part of the scam, fraudsters are calling victims claiming to be a police officer and asking them to withdraw money.
This call was then picked up another fraudster claiming to be a “police courier.”
A police spokesperson said:
“Please do not hand over any money or pass your bank details to anyone who calls on the phone or at your home.
“In this case, the suspects claimed to have found bank cards in a store and convinced the victim that they were carrying out an investigation into fake money and that they should withdraw a large amount of cash, put it in a bag and someone would collect it.
“They told the victim to verify them by calling 999 but the suspects stayed on line but the victim assumed they were talking to the police.”
The spokesperson added:
“Criminals are experts at impersonating banks, trusted organisations or the police.
“They will try to rush and panic you into responding to their requests. It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore these requests.
“If you’re contacted out of the blue, you can call us back to verify an officer, but please make sure the criminals are no longer on the line.
“Hang up and wait at least five minutes before you call, better still, use a different line or phone altogether if you can.”
If you have been targeted by similar fraudsters, call police on 101. If you have any suspicious people calling at your home, don't answer the door and call police on 999.
Bus driver racially abused in Skipton
MP ‘quietly confident’ Airedale hospital rebuild will go ahead
Council asks for £90,000 from mayor to progress Engine Shed Lane scheme
North Yorkshire police marks national 999 day
Councillors give overtourism warning to Bolton Abbey custodians
Another successful Silsden Proms raises thousands for local charities
Skipton high street named among UK's best
County-wide Yarn Trail set to return
Urgent appeal to find missing 15-year-old boy
Stump Cross Caverns boss passes ownership to son
Run Bolton Abbey event returns to support local hospice
Skipton pub could be converted into six apartments
Skipton Little Theatre introduces season pass
Dayclubbing event to be held in Skipton this weekend
Council seeks views on designated children's centres
Nearly 100 young locals help to keep Skipton clean
Local nursery celebrates graduation day at Airedale Hospital
Dementia Forward to host Skipton Three Peaks fundraiser
Skipton woman promotes safety with 'Pink Ladies Taxi'
Local Scarecrow Festival raises over £800 for Hospital Neo-natal Unit
