CHESHIRE Police have issued a warning after a surge in reports of scammers posing as officers.

Fraudsters have been making phone calls from ‘spoofed’ force numbers in recent weeks.

In some cases, victims have been threatened with arrest after being told their national insurance number and bank account have been used in order to purchase drugs or had involvement in other illegal activities.

Police constable Paula Matthews said: “Sadly, landline and mobile numbers can easily be manipulated and used maliciously by these scammers to make criminal gains.

“We are doing all we can to track these offenders down, but it is important to remember that fraudsters will come across as extremely convincing and will do anything to persuade victims to hand over the details they need.

“I would urge people to remember that no police force would call to ask for personal details such as your national insurance or bank account number.

“If you do receive a phone call such as this, don’t provide any information.

“Hang up the phone and report it immediately to Cheshire Police via 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.”