Police Warn of Nationwide Scam Impersonating Officers

Police departments in both the UK and US have issued warnings about a surge in scams involving individuals impersonating police officers, often targeting elderly residents. Scammers have been reported contacting victims by phone and, in some cases, in person, falsely claiming police investigations, outstanding warrants, or soliciting donations, and then demanding money or personal financial details. Authorities emphasize that genuine police officers will never request bank cards, cash, or wire transfers to resolve warrants, nor will they solicit donations over the phone. Some scammers have used tactics such as spoofing legitimate police department phone numbers to appear credible. Police advise the public to verify any suspicious requests by contacting local departments directly and to never share personal or financial information without confirmation. Ongoing investigations underscore the seriousness and prevalence of these sophisticated impersonation schemes.