'Police hoax' telling people loved ones are in hospital after accident

The motive of the caller, who pretends to be an officer, is unknown, the force said.

Police Scotland warning after ‘prank call’ sees people told loved one is in hospital after accident — Hoax call: Mid Argyll, Kintyre and Islands Police warned the public as they investigated the incidents. iStock

13th Dec 2022

Two people have been targeted by a suspected hoax caller pretending to be a police officer telling them their loved one is in hospital and they should go to be with them.

Police in Kintyre said the motive of the caller is unknown but that the recipients have been “particularly” upset by them.

Mid Argyll, Kintyre and Islands Police said they were carrying out extensive enquiries to identify whoever is making the calls.

“We are urging people to be aware of potential hoax/prank call after two people in Kintyre receiv[ed] calls from someone pretending to be a police officer,” a spokesperson for the force said.

“They were told a loved one was involved in an accident and to make their way to hospital.”

Sergeant Jon Watson said: “This is particularly upsetting for the recipient of the call and I would appeal to anyone who has any information regarding this matter to contact us.

“Any small piece of information could assist our enquiries so please do pass it on. It’s important we trace whoever is responsible.”

Police urged anyone who believes they may have received such a call, to contact them on 101 or through the Police Scotland website.

If anyone receives a call reporting to be from the police and suspect it to be a hoax, they are advised to request a reference or incident number, hang up then call police back on 101 to verify the number.

If you are vulnerable and believe you are being targeted by telephone, you can request a call blocker device from your local Trading Standards, Police Scotland said.