THERE has been a spike in fraudsters pretending to be police officers.

Offenders call victims claiming to be an officer investigating a fraud asking for help.

They ask for money to be withdrawn to be collected by a courier, to transfer money into a different bank account or trick people into giving out their bank details.

Det Supt Nicky Porter of GMP’s economic and cybercrime service, said: “Fraud can have a devastating impact on people’s lives.

“Our campaign aims to encourage people to stop and think about who is on the other end of the phone and not to give anyone their bank details or personal information. The more information we can give people about fraud and how to protect themselves, the easier it will be to stop it from taking place.

“Fraudsters often target older and more vulnerable people, but I would urge anyone who suspects they have been a victim of fraud to report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.”

Police advise never give out your bank details or PIN over the phone and be suspicious of people calling out of the blue.