THE PSNI are investigating a spate of reports that scammers are impersonating police officers.
There have been nine reports of this type of scam in Belfast on December 6 and 7 with fraudsters targeting elderly victims over the phone pretending to be from the PSNI.
The scammers mentioned specific stations in some cases and in most of the incidents said they were calling in relation to fraudulent activity and asked if there is money in the house.
Some were told not to tell anyone about the call, while others were told to leave money in a bag outside their home for the scammer to collect.
No money has been lost in any of the incidents reported, which police said targeted people aged in their 70s to those in their 90s.
Detective chief inspector Ian Wilson said: "This is a really despicable and devious scam where criminals posing as police officers appear to be targeting older people.
"We know fraudsters can be extremely convincing and use a variety of scenarios to make their victims believe they are genuine, which is why being aware of this type of crime is crucial.
"It's also important if you have older relatives, to have a conversation about this type of crime and reassure them help is available.
"If you have been targeted in this way, or know of someone who has received such a call, we want to hear from you. It's never too late to report this type of incident to police, to your bank or building society or Action Fraud."
Please visit www.actionfraud.police.uk for information or phone 0300 123 2040, or call police on the non-emergency number 101.
