Police are urging people to remain vigilant and help protect vulnerable members of the community from fraudsters who are targeting victims over the phone, following several reports received in the past week, including one victim who lost £50,000.
We are encouraging people to talk to older relatives, friends and neighbours about courier fraud, as a simple conversation could help prevent someone from becoming a victim. Residents are also asked to look out for anyone who may be more vulnerable and less likely to see fraud prevention advice.
Courier fraud is a manipulative crime that relies on deception and often targets older or vulnerable people. Fraudsters may pose as police officers, bank employees or representatives of other trusted organisations, using convincing stories and personal information to gain a victim's trust.
Criminals often pose as police officers, bank employees or other trusted professionals to gain a victim's confidence. They may ask seemingly harmless questions to gather personal or financial information before persuading victims to transfer money, withdraw cash or share sensitive details. Fraudsters frequently create a sense of urgency, claiming that an account has been compromised or that money must be moved immediately to keep it safe.
In some cases, victims are instructed to withdraw large sums of cash, purchase high-value items or gift cards, or move money into a so-called "safe account". They may then be told to hand over cash, bank cards or valuables to a courier sent to collect them.
Criminals are skilled at gaining a victim's trust and often claim they have already been the victim of a crime or that their bank account is at risk. In some cases, they can be so persuasive that victims struggle to believe genuine police officers or bank staff when they try to intervene.
It is important to remember that neither the police or your bank will ever contact you and ask you to withdraw money, transfer funds to another account, move money to a "safe account", purchase gift cards or other items, reveal your PIN or security codes, or hand cash and valuables to someone for collection.
If anyone makes a request like this, it is a scam.
While the financial losses can be devastating, the impact often extends far beyond money. Victims are frequently left feeling distressed, anxious and less trusting of others, particularly when criminals have deliberately exploited their confidence and trust.
Police across the county continue to work closely with communities and partner organisations to raise awareness of courier fraud and help prevent more people from becoming victims. Anyone who receives a suspicious call claiming to be from the police or their bank should end the call immediately, wait several minutes before using the phone again, or use a different phone line, and contact the organisation directly using a trusted number.
Anyone who receives an unexpected call requesting personal information, money or urgent action should be cautious. If in doubt, hang up and contact your bank using a trusted number. If you do not have your bank's number, call 159 and you will be connected directly to your bank.
You can also dial 101 (non-emergencies) or 999 (in an emergency) from an alternative number. If someone claims to be from the police, we can help confirm whether the caller is a genuine police officer and provide advice.
To report fraud visit online visit https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/ or call police on 101.