Police received a report on 1 June at approximately 4.20pm that a resident in the Cromwell Road area of south Belfast had received a call from a UK number matching the PSNI switchboard.

The caller stated that the recipient was linked to an investigation involving money transfers to narcotic-related countries.

The caller requested bank card details and instructed the recipient to purchase gift cards and provide the codes, claiming the funds would be returned.

The recipient became suspicious, refused to provide information, and blocked the number.

Inspector Walker said the use of the official PSNI switchboard number in the call was concerning and that enquiries are ongoing.

Police advised the public never to disclose personal or financial details over the phone to unknown callers and to verify any such contact through trusted channels.

People who believe they have been targeted by fraud are asked to report it to police via the PSNI website or by calling 101, and to contact their bank and Action Fraud.