If your phone rings and the caller says they are from South Wales Police’s cyber crime unit, with news that your name is in a data breach, hang up.
It is a scammer, and the force has had a number of reports from members of the public, its Swansea and Neath Port Talbot team says.
The caller tells people their name has turned up in a data breach, then starts asking for information.
South Wales Police said: “This is not a South Wales Police caller. This is a scammer at work.”
The force added: “Please don’t fall for it.” It is asking people not to hand over any personal details if they are contacted.
Hang up, then wait five minutes before your next call
Anyone who is suspicious should end the call straight away, the force says.
Then wait at least five minutes before making another call, or use a different phone if you can. Some fraudsters stay connected to the line after you put the receiver down.
It is an old trick. In 2022, callers posing as police officers in Ceredigion told people to dial 999 to check they were genuine, while keeping the line open so the scammers could pick up.
Dyfed-Powys Police said at the time that the police would never ask anyone to withdraw money or move it to a different account.
Call 101, or 999 in an emergency
To check a call or report one, contact South Wales Police on a number you trust: 101 for non-emergencies, or 999 in an emergency.
If you have already shared financial information or made a payment, contact your bank immediately.
Incidents can also be reported to the national Report Fraud service online, or on 0300 123 2040.
AuthorKit PetersKit Peters is a journalist and the editor of Swansea Bay News, covering Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Carmarthenshire since 2020.
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