People across Somerset are being warned about a convincing scam in which fraudsters pose as police officers and claim victims' bank accounts or personal information are at risk.

Avon and Somerset Police says it has received multiple reports of callers falsely claiming to be officers, with some using apparently genuine police telephone numbers, crime references and personal information to make their approach seem legitimate.

The callers may claim someone's personal data has been compromised, their bank accounts are at risk of fraud or their details have been linked to criminal activity.

In some cases, victims have been told that a suspect has been arrested and their personal information was discovered during the investigation.

Fraudsters may then give what appears to be a genuine crime or case reference number before claiming the victim's money needs to be protected.

The eventual aim can be to persuade people to transfer money to a supposed "safe account" controlled by the criminals, or to hand over sensitive banking information.

Police say some callers have appeared to know details about those they target, including personal information and nicknames which would not normally be publicly available.

Another tactic involves number spoofing, where technology is used to make a call appear on someone's phone as though it has come from a genuine Avon and Somerset Police number.

Some people who have called the displayed number back have then reached the real police control room, further convincing them that the original call was genuine.

Reports have also been received from outside the Avon and Somerset policing area, suggesting the scammers may be using the force's identity to target people elsewhere in the country.

Amy Samotyj, fraud protect officer at Avon and Somerset Police, said: "These fraudsters are highly convincing and often sound professional. They may claim an arrest has been made, provide what appears to be a genuine case reference number and tell you your personal details have been found as part of a police investigation.

"They may even know some information about you in advance.

"They're using these tactics to build trust and create a sense of urgency, which can make the calls seem genuine."

She stressed that police will never ask someone to transfer money to a safe account, withdraw cash, buy gift cards, hand over bank cards or disclose banking security information as part of an investigation.

She added: "If you receive a call of this nature, end the call and independently verify who has contacted you before taking any action."

Police are advising people not to treat a genuine-looking telephone number, crime reference number or officer collar number as proof that a caller is legitimate.

Banking passwords, PINs and one-time passcodes should never be shared over the telephone, and anyone who feels pressured to act urgently should end the call.

A genuine officer will not object to someone hanging up in order to independently check their identity.

Anyone wanting to verify a police call should contact the force on 101, ideally using a different phone or allowing time for the original line to clear first. In an emergency, call 999.

People who believe they have been targeted can report the incident to Report Fraud or call 0300 123 2040.

Anyone who has already transferred money should contact their bank immediately.

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