Criminals posing as police investigators have reportedly used falsified telephone numbers to obtain money and sensitive financial information, prompting an official warning across Merseyside.
LIVERPOOL, UK — 15 October 2026. Fraudsters posing as police detectives have targeted residents in Merseyside, using apparently legitimate police telephone numbers to convince people they are involved in criminal investigations.
Merseyside Police confirmed that one victim transferred a significant sum of money, although the exact amount has not been disclosed.
The incidents have raised concerns about a method of deception that exploits public confidence in law enforcement.
How criminals used police identities to gain trust
According to the force, callers claimed to be investigating identity theft or cybercrime. Some told potential victims that their passports or personal information had been recovered during police operations.
Others suggested that cryptocurrency accounts had been compromised.
The suspects allegedly used fabricated officer identities, collar numbers and crime references to make their stories more convincing.
Crucially, some calls appeared to originate from a genuine Merseyside Police switchboard number, suggesting the use of caller ID spoofing, a technique that disguises the true origin of a telephone call.
While most recipients recognised the deception, at least one transferred money.
Why impersonation scams remain a serious threat
Fraudsters frequently exploit the apparent authority of established institutions to obtain confidential information or payments.
Similar methods have appeared in other, unrelated schemes documented by AntiScamNews, including at antiscam we denounce a new wave of fake fines sent by sms in the name of the dgt spanish directorate general of traffic, involving fraudulent messages presented as official penalties.
The misuse of trusted identities also features in at antiscamnews we denounce a new scam that impersonates accommodations on booking to steal money and bank details.
Neither case has any reported connection to the Merseyside incidents.
Police investigation and public warning
Detective Sergeant John Causton warned that impersonating an officer is a criminal offence and urged residents to verify unexpected police contacts independently.
Genuine police officers will not request PINs or payment card details over the telephone. Anyone uncertain about a caller’s identity should end the conversation and contact the police directly using 101.
Merseyside Police confirmed that an investigation is underway, including witness and CCTV enquiries.
The warning highlights a fundamental risk: a familiar telephone number is no longer reliable proof of who is calling.