Tricksters turn to "spoofing" software to make you believe a call is really from Northamptonshire Police

Clever conmen are using sophisticated software to trick locals into believing they are calling from the police.

Northamptonshire detectives revealed crooks have targeted two pensioners in the county — one in her 80s — by using the 'number spoofing' technology.

In one incident officers revealed the the phone number displayed on the victim's phone was changed to a genuine police number.

Detective Sergeant Tim Craven said: “Spoofing the caller ID is yet another way in which fraudsters are trying to trick people into handing over money, bank details or other sensitive and private information.

“Spoofing is particularly worrying, as the number on the caller display is often the actual number of the legitimate bank, business or organisation. This often satisfies the victim that the call is genuine.

“We want people to be aware of this type of fraud and tell their friends and family too, especially elderly and vulnerable individuals.

"If you receive a call, doesn’t matter whether you think it is genuine or not, do not give out your personal information or make any payments.”

One call to someone in the county was 'spoofed' to the number made out it came from HMRC. This time the offenders tried to trick £1,000 out of the pensioner as payment for a bogus arrest warrant for the victim.

Two reports were also made last week where a 70-year-old woman and an 81-year-old woman were called by people claiming to be from the police and attempting to obtain bank details.

Det Sgt Craven added: "There are some simple steps that people can take to protect themselves.

"Don’t assume the caller ID is genuine, even if it looks like the same number as the bank or official organisation.

"End the call and ring back, with a different phone if possible. Sometimes, the fraudster can remain on your phone, giving you the impression that you have called the number back.

"Ask the caller for their name, and if it’s a police officer – their collar number. If the caller is genuine, they will not mind giving you these details to allow you to check their identity is real.

"And remember your bank will NEVER ask you to move money to a safe account, and the police will not ask you to pay a fine over the phone."