Brighton telephone scam suspect arrested

A suspected telephone scammer has been released on bail by police officers in Brighton.

Officers from Sussex Police, working in co-operation with the Metropolitan Police, arrested the suspected scammer at the weekend.

The 62-year-old man was detained by plain clothes officers in London on Saturday afternoon (29 March) and transferred to Brighton for questioning on suspicion of fraud by false representation.

After being interviewed he was released on conditional bail until Sunday 13 April while inquiries continue.

Detective Sergeant Helen Paine said: “Contrary to recent attempted scams, the police would never ask people to donate or supply money to help with investigations, nor would the police or banks ask for someone’s personal bank details over the telephone.

“If anyone receives such a call, or they are in any way suspicious, they should call 999 to report it.

“However, it is best to use a different phone to the one on which a suspicious call has been made, or allow at least 10 minutes to elapse, because criminals will often deliberately keep the line open at their end.”