Police urge public to remain vigilant following several scam calls across Greater Manchester

Police are urging the public to remain vigilant after scammers; impersonating police officers have been contacting people to convince them to hand over personal and sensitive information linked to their ownership of cryptocurrency.

From the numerous reports received by officers, one common method the offenders have used is claiming a suspect has been arrested and was found to be in possession of the victim's personal documents, such as their passport, driving licence or banking details. 

On several occasions, fraudsters asked victims about their cryptocurrency accounts, specifically looking for their IDs, recovery phrases and security codes. 

Greater Manchester Police confirmed that their officers would never ask people to share this information or move their accounts. 

These calls can appear convincing and are being made through spoofed GMP phone numbers, but people are urged to be careful, especially when providing sensitive information via phone calls. 

DS Reed from the Cyber Crime Team said: "These calls are an incredibly sophisticated type of crime, and those responsible are targeting our vulnerable communities. 

"We take offences of this nature incredibly seriously, and our Cyber Crime Team are working around the clock to understand how these offences have occurred, and how to prevent it from continuing. 

"Our officers will never get you to share security codes or personal information in relation to cryptocurrency, and if you are receiving calls that ask you to do so, please do not respond and report to us immediately. 

"I'd like to thank those who have already reported this to us, and I would like to reassure you that we are taking robust action to prevent this from going any further. 

"I strongly urge the public to please remain vigilant and support friends or family members who may be vulnerable to this type of crime. If being asked to share information, always be cautious and ask a police officer for identification." 

To protect you, police advise the following: 

• Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails or messages relating to cryptocurrency investments or accounts 

• Never share your passwords, recovery phrases or security codes with anyone 

• Don't transfer cryptocurrency or money to other accounts suggested by a caller 

If this has happened to you, or someone you know, report this to Report Fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk, and to GMP on 101 quoting log 2473 of 13/10/2026. 

You can also report via the LiveChat function on the website, or through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.