POLICE are investigating a number of reports in the Ceredigion and Powys area of a man purporting to be a local police officer.

Dyfed Powys Police has issued a warning this afternoon saying that the man is contacting local businesses and asking questions about CCTV or stating they want to discuss a recent incident. On some occasions he has stated he is a PC Jackson.

Police are asking the public to remain vigilant, report any suspicious calls and follow the below advice.

In offering advice to local businesses, Dyfed Powys Police asks people to obtain details of caller, including name, rank, collar number and station.

Also, ascertain what police force they identify themselves as working for and note any contact details from caller display, or via 1471 after the call has ended.

Police urge people to end the call and say you will contact the police directly to confirm the caller’s identity and be put through internally.

Officers advise you to ring a family member before you make your next phone call. This is to make sure the line has disconnected from the initial (suspected fraud) caller.

If anyone calls at your address following this suspected fraud caller, call 999.

Under no circumstances should you give any security details over the phone.

Anyone who receives a similar call is asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police either online: bit.ly/DPPContactOnline;emailing: [email protected] or calling: 101.

Anyone who thinks they have fallen victim to a scammer should report it by calling 101, or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

For further advice and information on how to avoid being scammed visit www.actionfraud.police.uk.