Suffolk police is investigating two similar incidents of fraud in which scammers dressed up as police officers. 

The suspects contacted victims by phone and convinced the victims to hand over large sums of cash, bank cards and PINs, or to purchase items to pass on to a courier as part of an alleged police investigation.

The first scam happened in east Suffolk on Sunday, October 1, and continued over several weeks.

Police were notified of the activity on Tuesday, November 28 and, two days later, two men were arrested on suspicion of fraud by false representation on November 30, in connection with the incident.

Both men were taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning.

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A 43-year-old man has been released under investigation pending further enquiries and a 24-year-old man has been bailed to return to police on February 28, 2024.

The second incident occurred in south Suffolk on Wednesday, October 25.

The victim, over several weeks, was persuaded to withdraw money from their bank accounts, purchase items and hand these to a courier who attended their home address or who the victim travelled to meet with.

This was later reported to police on Monday, December 4.

Suffolk police is reminding the public that banks and the police will never ask someone to withdraw money or purchase items.

If anyone has received a similar type of telephone call or has any information about these incidents, they are urged to contact Suffolk police quoting Operation Portray.