TL;DR: On April 30, 2026, Derbyshire Police warned that callers are posing as police officers, bank fraud investigators or specialist fraud teams. Reports came from the DE21, DE22, DE72, DE73 and S41 postcodes. In one case, bank staff stopped a woman from sending thousands of pounds by invoking the Banking Protocol.
What happened
The Derbyshire Police warning says police believe the calls reach across the county. The article does not give a total number of calls.
The Banking Protocol lets bank staff alert police when they suspect a customer is being scammed, and here it helped stop a transfer.
Why it works
The call tells you your account is at risk and asks you to protect your money by moving it or handing over cards. Fear of losing money overrides the instinct to check.
The force reminds people of its “Stop! Think Fraud” message: pause, question the call and talk to someone you trust first.
Background: our explainers on vishing and how to protect elderly parents from phone scams. See also Leicestershire Courier Fraud: Fake Officer Took Card and PIN and Kent Courier Fraud: 86 Victims Lost £766,544 in 2025. For wider numbers, see our data page on scam losses by age group.
What Derbyshire Police advise
- Hang up straight away if a call seems suspicious.
- Never share PINs, passwords or online banking details, and do not hand over cards or cash to anyone claiming to be investigating your account.
- Before calling your bank or the police, wait five minutes and check for a dial tone, or use a different phone.
- Contact your bank using the number on your card or by dialling 159, and report fraud at reportfraud.police.uk. If someone comes to your door to collect money or cards, call 999.
If you have already sent money
Contact your bank immediately, using the number on your card or by dialling 159, and ask about stopping the payment and reimbursement, then report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Our guides on UK fraud reporting and APP reimbursement rules, UK bank impersonation scams and how to reverse a wire transfer scam explain what to expect, and what to do after a scam, wherever you live covers the first 24 hours. Scammers often start with details taken from past leaks, so run our free digital footprint check to see what of yours is already exposed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the callers claiming?
To be police officers, bank fraud investigators or specialist fraud teams, according to Derbyshire Police on April 30, 2026.
What is the Banking Protocol?
A process that lets bank staff alert police when they suspect a customer is being scammed. In one case it stopped a woman sending thousands of pounds.
Why wait five minutes before calling back?
Fraudsters can keep the original line open, so waiting or using a different phone helps make sure you reach the real organisation.
What number can I use to reach my bank?
Use the number on your card or dial 159.
Sources
- Derbyshire Constabulary: Warning, fake police phone call scam targeting Derbyshire residents (Apr 30, 2026)
- Report Fraud (reportfraud.police.uk)
Related Reading
- Leicestershire Courier Fraud: Fake Officer Took Card and PIN
- Kent Courier Fraud: 86 Victims Lost £766,544 in 2025
- Maple Ridge RCMP Warn of “Card Pick-Up” Fraud at Your Door
- UK Scam News: October 2026 Roundup and Warnings
- Scam Losses by Age Group: US and Australia Data (2025)
- What to do after a scam, wherever you live