A police impersonation scam is a phone call from someone pretending to be a detective, usually saying your parent's bank account or personal details are at risk. The best protection is a rule agreed calmly in advance: real police never ask for money, cards, PINs or access to a phone or computer, so your parent hangs up and rings someone they trust.
To talk anything through with someone local, our St Albans team is on 01727 324 127.
What has happened in Hertfordshire this autumn?
In mid October, Hertfordshire Constabulary received 11 reports in about a week of fraudsters posing as police cyber crime officers. According to a Bishop's Stortford Independent article of 15 October 2026, one call each was reported in St Albans, Hemel Hempstead and Welwyn Garden City, with five in Watford.
In the Welwyn Garden City case, a well-spoken woman asked for the resident by name. She said she was a detective from a cyber crime unit and that the resident's details had been stolen in a cyber attack. She also gave a genuine police phone number, a badge number and a crime reference. No such officer existed.
We covered the warning signs and a simple family phone plan in our guide to scam calls and older people in Welwyn Garden City and Hatfield. This piece covers the conversation with your parent, and what to do if a call has gone wrong.
Why does a police impersonation scam fool careful people?
These calls are built to switch off good judgement. First, they borrow authority, because most of us want to help the police. Then they add fear, often a story about stolen savings.
Finally, they add urgency. The caller may already know a name or an address. So the call feels real, and stopping to check feels like obstruction.
Caller display is no help either. Suffolk Constabulary warns that caller ID is not proof of identity.
How do you raise it with a parent without frightening them?
Choose a quiet moment, not straight after a worrying call. The local news story is a natural opener: "I read that people in St Albans have been getting fake police calls." That frames it as something criminals do to everyone.
Next, agree one sentence your parent can say without thinking, for example: "I don't discuss money on the phone. I'll call you back." Practise it once or twice. A rehearsed line is far easier to reach for under pressure.
Also, keep it respectful. Most older people want to stay in charge of their own affairs, so offer help rather than taking over.
What will real police and banks never ask?
Police advice, repeated in the October report, is clear. The police and banks will never:
- ask for bank account details or a PIN
- ask anyone to withdraw money or buy high-value items and send them by courier or taxi
- ask anyone to send bank cards or other personal property
- ask to access a phone, tablet or computer remotely
Suffolk Constabulary adds that they will never ask anyone to move money to a "safe account". These points fit on a card by the phone.
Why does courier fraud matter for older people?
Many fake police calls end with a courier at the door. The caller asks for cash, cards or jewellery "as evidence", and someone arrives to collect it.
Suffolk Constabulary reported in June 2026 that national courier fraud reports rose from 1,721 to 1,891 in the year to March 2026. Losses rose to over £21 million. People aged 70 and over were the most targeted, and people aged 76 to 96 made up about 62% of reports.
What if your parent has already handed something over?
Start with reassurance, because shame stops people reporting. Then act quickly, in this order:
- If a courier is on the way or a crime is happening now, call 999.
- Ring the bank. The 159 service from Stop Scams UK connects customers of most UK current accounts to their own bank.
- Report it to Hertfordshire Police on 101 or online, from a different phone or after waiting at least five minutes.
- Report it to Report Fraud, which replaced Action Fraud in December 2025, on 0300 123 2040.
While it is fresh, write down what was said, the numbers used and the times. Also ask the phone provider about call screening, as the police suggest.
Where does regular company at home fit in?
A police impersonation scam relies on someone being alone with a decision. A familiar visitor changes that. With companionship care, a carer calls regularly, so a parent has someone to mention a strange call to.
Carers can notice when a parent seems unusually anxious or mentions an "investigation". They can encourage a call to family.
Frequently asked questions
Is 159 a police number?
No. 159 connects you to your own bank, not the police. Stop Scams UK says it covers customers of more than 99% of UK retail bank current accounts. It is useful when someone has called about money and you want to check with the bank directly.
What is Report Fraud?
Report Fraud is the national service for reporting fraud and cyber crime, run by the City of London Police. It replaced Action Fraud on 4 December 2025. The website is reportfraud.police.uk, and the phone number, 0300 123 2040, stayed the same.
How might I tell if my mum has had one of these calls?
Look for changes rather than proof. Examples include unusual cash withdrawals, talk of helping with an inquiry, or new reluctance to discuss the bank. If something feels wrong, ask gently and check with the bank together.
Should a real officer ever come to collect cards or cash?
No. Police advice is that they will never ask anyone to send cards, money or valuables by courier. If someone arrives to collect them, keep the door closed and call 999.
How Starling Homecare can help
Starling Homecare is a family run, CQC registered home care provider based in St Albans. We offer companionship and visiting care across our St Albans home care area and nearby towns. When a familiar face calling each week would help, we can talk through what regular visits look like.
Figures and guidance checked on 2 November 2026 against Suffolk Constabulary, GOV.UK and Stop Scams UK.
Arranging Care Is Simple
Starting care can feel like a big step. We keep it calm and straightforward, and we are here to guide you from your very first call.
1. Talk to us
Get in touch by phone or request a callback. We will listen, answer your questions and help you understand the options, so you can decide what feels right in your own time.
2. A home visit and initial consultation
We arrange a visit to understand your routines, your home and what matters most to you. Together we agree an initial consultation and shape the support that feels right.
3. Your care begins
A small, familiar team starts your care, arriving at the agreed times and staying involved as your needs change. We remain your trusted adviser throughout.
Whenever you are ready, we are here to help.