Official police telephone number spoofed

A genuine police telephone number has been spoofed by scammers and could be used to fool members of the public.

Merseyside Police is urging the public to be aware, as this week scammers have spoofed their official switchboard number 0151 709 6010.

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An investigation into the scammers is currently underway. The force is stressing a genuine police officer will never ask you for your bank account details or PIN number.

Det Chief Inspector Alan Nuttall said, "Impersonating a police officer is a criminal offence and it's something we take extremely seriously".

He added "Shamefully, offenders like this often deliberately target the most vulnerable in our community.” 

The BBC reports as a member of the public you’re within your rights to ask a police officer for identification.

All officers have a collar number and carry a warrant card (photo identification card).

You can check officers name, collar numbers and crime reference numbers are genuine by calling 101.