Suffolk Police Warn of Scam Calls Using Cloned Number in England

Suffolk Police have warned residents in England about scam callers impersonating officers and apparently using a cloned telephone number.

The force said it had received reports of fraudulent calls that appeared to come from a police number. Calling that number back connects people to the genuine police switchboard.

A Genuine Number Does Not Prove Who Called

Police urged the public to remain vigilant and check an officer’s identity if they have doubts about a caller.

The force’s fraud guidance explains that scammers can manipulate caller identification so a call appears to come from a legitimate organisation.

How to Check an Officer’s Identity

Suffolk Constabulary advises anyone unsure about a caller claiming to be an officer to hang up, wait five minutes and call 101 to verify their identity.

The waiting period matters because fraudsters can sometimes keep a telephone line open after the recipient hangs up.

Police officers will never ask for bank details or a PIN, request a transfer of funds, or instruct someone to hand cash or bank cards to a courier.