Staffordshire Police warning after Stafford man tricked into buying £2,000 in gift cards

Staffordshire Police are urging people to stay alert after a man from Stafford was tricked into buying £2,000 worth of gift cards by fraudsters pretending to be police officers.

The force said the man was targeted on Friday 6 March after receiving a phone call from someone claiming to be from Staffordshire Police, followed by another person claiming to be from the Metropolitan Police.

Police say he was then persuaded to buy the gift cards and hand over the codes so they could be used.

How the scam worked

Staffordshire Police said fraudsters can use apps that make calls appear to come from a number of their choice. That means a call can look as though it is coming from a genuine organisation, such as the police or a bank, even when it is not.

The force is now warning people to be extra careful around anyone who contacts them claiming to be from a financial institution or the police and asks for money, bank details or private financial information.

Warning signs to look out for

Police say people should be suspicious if a caller:

• asks for your bank card PIN or passwords

• asks you to withdraw cash and then post it or drop it at a location

• asks you to pay for something using gift cards or vouchers instead of paying directly

• tells you to keep the transaction secret

  
  

Police message to the public

Detective Sergeant Garry Jackson, from Staffordshire Police’s economic crime unit, said:

No bank, government department or police force will ask for bank details or cash to be transferred in secret or purchase items like gift cards on their behalf.

These fraudsters often target the vulnerable and the elderly and so we need everyone to reinforce this message with relatives and elderly and vulnerable friends and neighbours.

Scams like this can be very elaborate, very convincing and cruel. If you think someone is trying to scam you, tell someone straight away. Don’t be pressured. Give yourself time to stop and think.”

He also urged people to hang up straight away if a call feels suspicious.

What to do if you get a suspicious call

Staffordshire Police say if you receive a call that does not feel right, you should hang up immediately.

The force says people should report fraud or attempted fraud as soon as possible. It also advises waiting 10 minutes to make sure the line has fully disconnected, or using a different phone before calling for help.

The warning is also a reminder to check in on older relatives, neighbours and vulnerable friends, as police say these scams often target people who may be easier to pressure.