Police in Cumbria are urging people to be wary of a telephone scam that has recently been reported to them.

Officers have had reports of a telephone scam that involves an offender making contact by telephone claiming to be from Police Headquarters. The offender claims to be taking action in relation to a fraud which has occurred abroad and states the correct name of the person telephoned, asking the person to confirm this. The offender goes on to claim that a solicitor has been appointed to proceed with the case and that the person telephoned will be billed for the full court costs unless they contact this solicitor immediately.

If you receive a telephone call  that is similar to the one  described, please treat it with caution. Police do receive complaints of dishonesty and scams where criminals operate over the internet or by telephone. Police always urge people to be cautious and to check out the person or company’s credentials.  Make sure that you use only secure sites when you are on the internet, and do not respond to unsolicited emails or phone calls that ask for financial or personal details. No reputable company or person will ask you for this private information or ask you to part with money over the phone or via email.

Remember that giving out details over the phone or online can cause real problems if they fall into the wrong hands. If you feel that there is something suspicious about any contact you receive by phone or email, contact the Police on 101 or call your local Trading Standards via Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.