Four men are due to appear in court today, Friday, charged with fraud.

The men, all from North London, will appear at Hatfield Remand Court after being charged with offences relating to phone scams which have occurred across the area, including Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

They were arrested on Wednesday in dawn raids by police led by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit on suspicion of the crimes, which involve posing as police officers and government officials to steal victims’ money.

Det Insp Danny Lawrence, who leads ERSOU, said: “The warrants executed on Wednesday demonstrate how we will continue to make the region a hostile place for anyone suspected of being involved in phone scams. Our dedicated task force will continue to work hard in gathering evidence, identifying those believed to be involved in scams and making arrests.

“And although we are continuing to make arrests, I would urge people to remain aware that phone scams are still operating across the region. As it does tend to be the elderly and vulnerable who are targeted by the offenders, please share the following advice with neighbours and relatives.

“If you are suspicious about a telephone conversation you should end the call and contact police via the non-emergency number, 101. Remember to use a mobile phone or a friend’s phone or wait at least five minutes before calling to ensure you aren’t reconnected to the offender.”