Police warn residents to be aware of bogus phone calls

Police are warning residents of Rochdale to be aware of telephone scams.

Police are warning Rochdale borough residents, particularly the elderly or vulnerable, to be aware of these scams involving bogus telephone calls.

The threats include bogus callers claiming they are from the HMRC and that the victim owes tax, which can be paid by purchasing iTunes vouchers. The bogus callers then keep the victim on the phone until they purchase the vouchers and pass the serial numbers onto the scammers.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “We have received a high amount of calls from residents who are becoming the victims of cruel scams where they are being threatened by telephone by 'bogus callers' who are also leaving phones messages on their answer phones.

“Victims are also receiving threats that the police will issue a warrant for their arrest if this is not paid.

“Other messages have been left on people’s phones to say that they are involved in a lawsuit and to press a number on their phone which would then put them through to a ‘case worker’ who would ask for money.”

He added: “Also please be extra cautious when online with pop-ups saying you've won something. They then ask for all your details which can then be used for their benefit. Please don't be fooled.”

Please report any suspicious calls, texts, letters, emails, etc. immediately to police on 101, through the GMP website or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.