CUMBRIA Police have warned of a recent telephone scam in which the caller pretended to be a crime prevention officer.

A Keswick man has reported a phone call he received from a man claiming to be a crime prevention officer from Cumbria Police.

He had a Liverpool accent, and was selling advertising to local schools.

Inspector Jon Sherlock, who leads the police community safety teams in Cumbria, said: “Our crime prevention officers regularly make contact with victims of crime to ensure that they are protecting their property or business effectively and to arrange visits to offer crime prevention surveys.

"The crime prevention officer will always identify themselves by name and the station they are attached to.

“They will never ask for money or financial information – and certainly do not sell advertising.

“I would urge anyone who receives a call from someone claiming to be from the police asking for money to hang up the phone immediately.

"Unfortunately there are criminals who can prey on the trust people place in the police in order to manipulate and steal from a victim.

“If you are ever unsure if a call from the police is genuine, ask for the person’s name and then hang up. Using a different phone, dial 101 and ask for that specific person – if they are genuine, the Communications Centre will be able to put you through to them.

“Anyone with any concerns should contact Cumbria Police, Trading Standards, or Action Fraud, as appropriate. If you are unsure who to contact, call Cumbria Police on 101 and we can give you advice.”