Your Harrogate Radio

7:00pm - 6:30am

Email the studio

The Stone Roses

Fools Gold

Listen Live

Bogus police officer scam targets older people in Knaresborough

Friday, 18 August 2023 00:00

Police are urging Knaresborough residents to put the phone down on a recent telephone scam where the suspect claims to be a police officer.

Bogus police officer scam targets older people in Knaresborough Police are urging residents to put the phone down on a recent telephone scam where the suspect claims to be a police officer. North Yorkshire Police have received at least three reports over the past two days of a person calling older people in the Knaresborough area. The caller claims to be a police officer, asks about a fictitious person in custody and asks the resident if they are at home and when they will be out or returning home. This is a scam, and police have urged residents to put the phone down, do not engage in conversation with the caller, and do not give any personal information to them. A police spokesperson said:

"If you are concerned that you may have been contacted by the scammer, please call North Yorkshire Police on 101 and pass information to our Force Control Room. "Although we have not received any reports of anyone physically calling at a property, please do be vigilant when it comes to any unexpected callers at your door. "If you don’t know who it is, don’t answer the door, and keep your doors locked, even when you are at home."

The spokesperson added:

"If you're unsure about whether the person you're dealing with is a genuine police officer – stop – and call us on 101 to check their identity. "We recommend you wait at least five minutes or call on a different phone to ensure the scammer is not still on the line."

More information about checking a police officers identity can be found online here. Read more local stories from Your Harrogate here.

More from Local News

King Charles makes surprise visit to Knaresborough Castle

Residents and visitors gathered at Knaresborough Castle today (Tuesday) as King Charles made an unexpected visit to the historic site.
Knaresborough paddling pool to remain closed due to safety concerns

The paddling pool in Knaresborough will remain closed while health and safety concerns are investigated.
First shirt reveal for Harrogate Town ahead of new season

Harrogate Town has revealed its first new shirt ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Fourth Your Harrogate and Fat Badger golf day raises £12,600 for charity

The fourth Fat Badger Group and Your Harrogate Charity Golf Day has raised over £12,600 for two local charities.
Yorkshire Water hails decision to ban plastic wet wipes

Yorkshire Water has welcomed new legislation banning plastic in wet wipes from next year.
Dishforth housing scheme could "reduce quality of life", councillors warned

Councillors have been recommended to approve up to 98 new homes in a North Yorkshire village despite warnings that the development could reduce the quality of life for current and future residents.
Ripon Man who brutally assaulted women jailed

A man who struck a woman in the head so hard she thought she was going to die – and left another woman living in constant fear – has been jailed.
New Knaresborough startup aiming to cut cardboard waste across Yorkshire

A new Knaresborough-based business has launched with plans to reduce cardboard waste by giving used packaging a second life.
New psychology clinic offering mental health support to open in Knaresborough

A new psychology clinic offering neurodevelopmental assessments and mental health support is set to open in Knaresborough next month.
Harrogate MP blasts 'unswimmable' bathing sites amid hot weather

Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon has slammed Yorkshire Water for the 'poor' rated bathing sites across the area amid rising temperatures in the UK.
Fairground rides return to Valley Gardens for half term

A number of fairground rides are setting up at Harrogate’s Valley Gardens in time for half term.
Six teenage boys arrested after 'violent incident' in Harrogate

Six teenage boys have been arrested following a 'violent incident' in Harrogate as police urge parents to keep tabs on their children during the half-term break.
Your Skipton and Your Ilkley to launch on DAB next week

Your Skipton and Your Ilkley will launch on DAB digital radio for the first time next week.
Police appeal after hit-and-run on Knaresborough High Street

Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a hit-and-run collision on the High Street at Knaresborough.
Harrogate Town announce signing of Chesterfield midfielder

Harrogate Town have announced their first signing of the transfer window with the arrival of Chesterfield midfielder Bailey Hobson on a permanent contract.
Free Fuel Friday: Another winner scoops free tank of fuel

Yet another Harrogate resident has won a full tank of fuel as part of our 'Free Fuel Friday' competition.
Smiley/sad face speed signs set to remain banned in North Yorkshire

Road signs which display a driver’s speed alongside a smiley or sad face could continue to be banned from North Yorkshire’s roads despite pleas from communities to allow their use.
Harrogate primary school takes climate education to national stage

A Harrogate primary school has taken its climate education work to the national stage after speaking at a major Westminster policy conference.
Historic village pub enjoys successful reopening under new ownership

A historic village pub near Boroughbridge has reopened following a major refurbishment and a change in ownership.
Masham primary school unveils newly refurbished library

Masham CE Primary School has officially opened of its newly refurbished library.