Police search for two alleged scammers who impersonated cops, searched victim’s home

Police are hunting for two men who allegedly scammed a local resident into depositing more than $13,000 then raided the victim’s home.

SA Police are searching for two men who allegedly scammed an Adelaide Hills resident, then searched his home as they pretended to be police officers. Picture: Supplied

South Australian police are on the hunt for two phone scammers who allegedly impersonated police officers and raided a man’s home after he paid them more than $13,000.

According to SA Police, the victim was first contacted on his mobile phone on July 14 by a man claiming to be a NSW police officer who was investigating the loss of millions of dollars.

The victim was told he had an active warrant before hanging up the phone.

He later received a second call from a Canberra number where the caller claimed to be from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), who was also investigating the missing money the victim needed to pay.

The man from the Adelaide Hills who received that call then searched that phone number online, which matched the AFP’s.

He was told he needed to set up a WhatsApp account to receive the appropriate bank details and transfer money to two different bank accounts, which he deposited more than $13,000 into.

Later that same day, two men pretending to be police officers attended the man’s Mount Barker home.

They wore sunglasses and were dressed in dark blue clothing with what appeared to be police badges on the arms of their shirts.

One of the suspects allegedly produced what looked like a police badge and told the victim they needed to search his home.

The resident obliged, so the fake officer searched rooms of the house, but did not take anything, before leaving in a black Commodore sedan.

SA Police say both men have been described as being of caucasian appearance and about 188cm tall with a medium build.

Both were clean shaven with short brown hair.

Anyone with information or who may have seen the two men in the area is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or go online.

Australians are urged not to engage in any conversation with scammers demanding money.

Instead, people who suspect a scammer is on the phone should record details or identifying characteristics, like the number they are calling from or names or businesses mentioned, and should report it to police or online at www.cyber.gov.au.

SA Police have also advised to ask for official identification if strangers come to your door claiming to be police officers.

The Police Assistance Line on 131444 can also verify their identity.