Surrey Police Warn of Phone Scammers Using Spoofing Software
Scammers Targeting Residents Across Surrey Neighbourhoods
Residents across Surrey's towns and villages—from Guildford to Woking, Dorking, Horsley, and East Horsley—are being warned about a growing phone scam targeting unsuspecting householders. Fraudsters are using sophisticated spoofing technology to disguise their caller ID, making their numbers appear identical to the legitimate Surrey Police 101 non-emergency line. When victims answer, the callers claim to be police officers investigating crimes or suspicious activity linked to the recipient's address or bank account. The scammers are particularly cunning, using official-sounding language and references to real police procedures to build credibility. What makes these calls especially concerning is that they're reaching families in tight-knit communities where residents naturally trust local institutions. Many people—particularly older residents who remember when you could trust a caller simply because they claimed to be police—are vulnerable to these tactics. The fraudsters are casting a wide net across our region, and anyone with a phone number could be targeted next.
How the Scam Works and What Criminals Are After
The modus operandi is straightforward but devastatingly effective. Callers claim there's been suspicious activity on the victim's accounts or that their identity has been compromised. They then pressure victims to either disclose sensitive personal information—bank details, passwords, National Insurance numbers—or to withdraw cash and purchase high-value items like gift cards. Some variants involve telling victims their property has been targeted by criminals and requesting immediate payment for ‘security measures' or ‘investigations.' This is particularly troubling in communities like Horsley and East Horsley, where many residents are considering home improvements, including bathroom refurbishment projects. Scammers have been known to pose as police investigating ‘rogue traders,' then redirect victims toward fake contractors—including fraudulent bathroom fitters and bathroom refurbishment companies—claiming these are ‘official' services. The criminals behind these operations are well-organised, often operating in coordinated groups. They exploit the trust people naturally place in authority figures and use time pressure and fear to bypass rational decision-making. What's particularly insidious is that they're counting on victims being too embarrassed to report the scam after realising they've been deceived.
How to Protect Yourself and Report Suspicious Calls
Surrey Police has issued clear guidance for residents across all neighbourhoods. If you receive a call claiming to be from police, never provide personal information or agree to financial transactions. Instead, hang up and independently verify the caller's identity by dialling 101 yourself—not using a number the caller provided. You can also use Surrey Police's online chat function on their official website or message them on social media. Police will never ask you to withdraw money, purchase gift cards, or buy expensive items as part of an investigation. They won't call you out of the blue requesting passwords or banking details. If you've already fallen victim to a scam, report it immediately to Action Fraud (actionfraud.police.uk or 0300 123 2040) and your bank. Alert your neighbours, particularly older residents in your community who may be at higher risk. Local businesses, including legitimate bathroom fitters and refurbishment specialists across Guildford and Woking, should warn customers about fake contractors impersonating their services. Community groups and parish councils can help by sharing this warning at local meetings and events. Report scam calls to your phone provider too—they can help block similar numbers. Staying vigilant and sharing information with friends and family is our best collective defence against these criminals.
Source: Warning over scammers posing as Surrey Police
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