Fraudsters scam more than £30k using official OPCC phone number

Leicestershire Police has issued a public warning after fraudsters were found using the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner’s (OPCC) phone number to target victims in a phone scam that has already led to losses exceeding £30,000.

Since the start of the year, officers have received six reports from members of the public who were contacted by callers appearing to call from the OPCC’s official number, 0116 229 8980. The callers falsely claimed to represent the police or HMRC and persuaded victims to hand over money.

Police stressed that the incidents were not connected to anyone working in the OPCC. Instead, investigators believe scammers used specialist software to spoof the legitimate number while placing calls from unrelated mobile or internet-based lines.

Victims pressured into urgent payments

In each reported case, fraudsters accused victims of involvement in illegal activity or warned their savings were no longer safe, creating a sense of urgency that led victims to transfer money or purchase high-value gift cards.

In the most recent case, reported on 16 February, one victim bought gift cards worth £6,100 before realising she had been defrauded and contacting police.

Across all six reports this year, victims have collectively lost more than £30,000.

Officers from the force’s Economic Crime Unit (ECU) are now investigating and reviewing communications data to identify those responsible and disrupt further activity.

Police urge public to stay alert

Police are reminding the public that neither the police, banks nor government agencies will ever request money, gift cards or access to bank accounts over the phone. They will also never ask for passwords, PIN numbers or demand urgent financial transactions.

People who receive suspicious calls are advised to ask for the caller’s name, hang up, and wait five minutes before calling the organisation back using an official number, such as one listed on a bank card or by dialling 101 for police.

Nicole McIntyre, from the ECU, said officers had seen a cluster of incidents involving the same spoofed number in recent weeks.

“In the last eight weeks alone we have had six reports from people who have received a call from the same number – the office number for the OPCC – resulting in victims being scammed and losing thousands of pounds,” she said.

“These incidents are not connected to anyone who works in the OPCC’s office. Fraudsters are using specialist software to make it seem like calls are coming from legitimate numbers.

“We are investigating these incidents and reviewing communication data to try to stop scammers operating in this way, but we want people to be aware of the issue and the steps to take if they are contacted by someone claiming to be from a police force, crime organisation or government agency.”

Commissioner condemns ‘despicable’ tactics

Police and Crime Commissioner for Leicestershire, Rupert Matthews described the scam as “calculated and despicable”, saying criminals were exploiting public trust in law enforcement institutions.

“I am absolutely dismayed that the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are being targeted by fraudsters hiding behind organisations that exist to help and protect,” he said.

“These criminals are highly convincing and can lower the guard of anyone. Neither my office nor anyone working on my behalf would ever call to ask you to withdraw money, purchase gift cards or seek access to your bank account.”

He urged anyone unsure about a call’s authenticity to hang up and verify the details using a trusted phone number.

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In an upcoming episode of the For Every Response podcast, Catherine Levin will be interviewing Chris Bell from the City of London Police, who oversaw the launch of Report Fraud, a new national service designed to transform how victims and businesses across England, Wales and Northern Ireland report cyber crime and fraud, and how law enforcement and industry respond. Keep an eye out for the podcast episode later this month.