Police in South Zealand and Lolland-Falster are warning residents about a recent surge in scam calls where individuals are impersonating police officers. The scammers are attempting to obtain debit cards and PIN codes from unsuspecting citizens under the guise of an ongoing investigation.

One couple from Næstved fell victim to the scam on Saturday night, providing their payment card details to the fraudsters. Before they could block their accounts, the scammers withdrew funds.

Three other citizens received similar calls on Friday afternoon, but they avoided being scammed by verifying the calls with the police service center by calling 114.

Central and West Zealand Police also reported incidents of fake police officers targeting residents. A 58-year-old man from Roskilde was tricked into handing over his payment card and PIN to an individual claiming to be a police officer. An 87-year-old man reported a similar scam where he was persuaded to give his payment card and PIN code to scammers posing as police on Thursday.

Authorities are reminding the public that neither the police nor banks will request money or personal information via email, SMS, or phone calls. They advise people to be skeptical of such requests, especially elderly individuals who are often targeted.

If you receive a suspicious call, authorities recommend ending the conversation and contacting younger relatives for assistance or verifying the call with the relevant authority or bank using their official main number.