Beware of Fake Police Investigation Emails

Beware of Fake Police Investigation Emails

Dorset Police Fraud Protect Alert

We are warning residents about fraudulent emails claiming to be from police forces, including the Metropolitan Police, and other UK police organisations.

Criminals are sending convincing emails that falsely claim a case has been opened against the recipient and demand they respond urgently. These emails are designed to create fear and pressure victims into providing personal information or engaging with the sender.

Example Warning Signs

The fraudulent email may:

Claim that a police investigation or case file has been opened against you.

Refer to an "assigned officer" and provide a fake case reference number.

Demand urgent action or cooperation.

Threaten further action if you fail to respond.

Instruct you to keep the matter confidential.

Be sent from an email address that does not belong to a genuine police force.

Use official-looking police logos and branding.

Criminals have been known to use the logos and names of various UK police forces to make their messages appear genuine.

Protect Yourself

✅ Stay calm and do not panic.

✅ Do not reply to the email.

✅ Do not click on links or download attachments.

✅ Do not provide personal, financial, or banking information.

✅ Independently verify any police contact by using official contact details obtained from the police force's website.

✅ If you are unsure, contact the police force directly using a trusted telephone number or website.

Remember

Police forces will not pressure you into providing sensitive information by email, nor will they ask you to transfer money or disclose banking passwords.

If you receive any unexpected communication claiming to be from a police force, always verify it independently before taking any action.

Report It

If you have received a suspicious email:

Forward it to: report@phishing.gov.uk

Report fraud or cyber crime to Report Fraud: 🌐 www.reportfraud.police.uk 📞 0300 123 2040

If you have lost money or believe you are at immediate risk, contact your bank immediately on 159

STOP! THINK. FRAUD.

Before responding to any unexpected message:

STOP! – Take a moment before acting.

THINK – Could it be fake? Are you being rushed or threatened?

FRAUD – Contact the organisation directly using trusted details to verify the communication.

Please share this alert with family, friends, neighbours, and anyone who may be vulnerable to fraud.

Reply to this message

Message Sent By
Damian Cranny
(Dorset Police, Fraud Protect Officer, Dorset)