Another day, another scam - Police Impersonator

Mysterae_ · 24 Jun 2025 at 16:50

Got a call today from a rather convincing chap stating my name claiming to be from some police station although I didn't catch their office, name or badge number when reeled them off. English accent as if that means anything.

Apparently somebody was intercepted at Manchester Airport with my details and did I know them, Mohammad something or other.

There was some radio police chatter during the call in the background which they said "let me turn down my radio".

Then I was asked how I think this apprehended perpetrator could have got hold of my ID and details and then the call took a turn towards crypto that I used to have.

Spider senses tingling, I said "repeat your name, badge number and office so I can check you, or I'm ending this call". They tried to swerve that request with some redirection and it was at this point I hung up on them. They did not call back.

The scammers are really upping their game, playing mp3s of police radios, polite English accent with semi-believable scripts.

Efour · 24 Jun 2025 at 17:06

Should have said yes thats me

radderfire · 24 Jun 2025 at 17:13

If you're called out of the blue re something financial, it's a scam, every time.

marinersfan · 24 Jun 2025 at 17:18

I periodically get random numbers calling.
I use the call screening thing and 9 times out of 10 they immediately hang up.

Mysterae_ · 24 Jun 2025 at 17:33

marinersfan said:
I periodically get random numbers calling.
I use the call screening thing and 9 times out of 10 they immediately hang up.

What call screening thing is that?

Hagar · 24 Jun 2025 at 17:40

I'd. cut their legs off and burn them alive.

Quartz · 24 Jun 2025 at 17:41

Mysterae_ said:
Spider senses tingling, I said "repeat your name, badge number and office so I can check you, or I'm ending this call". They tried to swerve that request with some redirection and it was at this point I hung up on them. They did not call back.

You really should report this to the police. But IIRC it's not badge number but collar number.

Mysterae_ · 24 Jun 2025 at 18:03

Quartz said:
You really should report this to the police. But IIRC it's not badge number but collar number.

I could but the call had no caller ID and there wouldn't be much else to go on. After a bit of googling it does look like a known scam if a bit new.

marinersfan · 24 Jun 2025 at 18:09

Mysterae_ said:
What call screening thing is that?

I've got a Google Pixel, it's on that.

BUDFORCE · 24 Jun 2025 at 18:12

I just don't answer my phone anymore these days.

But of a shame but it is what it is.

Mysterae_ · 24 Jun 2025 at 22:48

Mysterae_ said:
What call screening thing is that?

Replying to myself because iphone - to enable call screening on iOS can be found in Settings -> Apps -> Phone -> Silence Unknown Callers

Enabling it means calls from unknown numbers will be silenced and sent to voicemail. Calls from people in your contacts, recent outgoing and Siri suggestions (huh?!) will still ring.