Three men and two teenage boys have been charged in connection with a widespread courier fraud involving people posing as police officers.

Their arrests came after the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit’s (ERSOU) phone scam taskforce, targeted those believed to be involved in phone scams in Suffolk, Essex, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, and other counties around the country.

The five males, along with another person, were arrested on Tuesday after swoops on a number of properties in North London.

Those who have been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud by false representation include two 17-year-old males from north London, Mohammed Ahmed Miah, 18, of Ampton Street, west London, Shamsul Islam, 25, of Collier Street, north London, and Dominic DeSouza, 22, of Charlton Place, Islington.

De Souza and Islam were also charged in relation to offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act.

The sixth person has been released on bail pending further enquires.

Those charged were due to make their first appearances at Hatfield remand court.

Detective Inspector Danny Lawrence, who leads the ERSOU courier fraud task force, said: “The warrants executed on Tuesday are in addition to a long list of arrests and charges that we have made. We will continue to make the region a hostile place for anyone suspected of being involved in phone scams. Our dedicated task force will continue to work hard in gathering evidence, identifying those believed to be involved in scams and making arrests.

“I would urge people to remain aware that phone scams are still operating across the region. As it does tend to be the elderly and vulnerable who are targeted by the offenders, please share the following advice with neighbours and relatives.”

If you are suspicious about a telephone conversation you should end the call and contact police via the non-emergency number, 101. Remember to use a mobile phone or a friend’s phone or wait at least five minutes before calling to ensure you aren’t reconnected to the offender.