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Merseyside Police are warning people to be on their guard after scammers called residents pretending to be officers and asking for payments over the phone.
The force said it received several reports on Monday evening, 2 November, from people across Merseyside.
The calls appeared to come from the force's genuine switchboard number, 0151 709 6010. Police say the offenders probably used caller ID spoofing, which makes a call look as if it is coming from a different number.
The callers claimed to be police officers or cyber crime officers. An investigation is under way.
Detective Chief Inspector Alan Nuttall said: "Impersonating a police officer is a criminal offence and it's something we take extremely seriously."
He added: "Shamefully, offenders like this often deliberately target the most vulnerable in our community. I would ask people to take a few minutes to speak to friends or relatives who may be vulnerable to such a scam so they are aware of the risks."
The force's advice is:
- You can always ask a police officer for identification. Every officer has a collar number and a warrant card.
- If in doubt, check the name, collar number and any crime reference number you are given by calling 101.
- A police officer should never ask for your PIN or card details, in person, on the phone or online.
- If you think someone is pretending to be a police officer, contact the police.
Anyone with information is asked to message @MerPolCC quoting reference 781 of 2 November.
Fraud can be reported through the Merseyside Police website or at reportfraud.police.uk.
Police have also stepped up patrols across Merseyside for Bonfire Night this week.
