Police urge vigilance against courier fraud

The warning follows recent incidents in which criminals posed as police officers to trick victims in to handing over cash and other valuable items.

Courier fraud sees criminals call unsuspecting victims and convince them to withdraw a sum of money and hand it over to a ‘courier’ who is sent to their home.

The victim may also be convinced into handing over their bank cards and PIN numbers, as well as high-value items such as jewellery, watches and gold.

Typically, courier fraudsters target victims by claiming to be a police officer or member of staff from a trusted bank.

They often pressure people into making quick financial decisions to assist with fictitious investigations.

Det Sgt Sam Erabadda, from South Yorkshire Police’s fraud co-ordination team, said: “A police officer will never ask you to withdraw or hand over money.

“We appreciate that fraudsters posing as police officers is worrying, and we are doing all we can to trace those involved.

“To help keep everyone safe, please pass the following information and advice on to potentially vulnerable friends and family members.

“If you are suspicious about a caller or visitor requesting money, tell them you have to check if this is a genuine request: close the door if they have called on you in person or hang up if they have telephoned.

“Then, call your bank on a different phone line to inform them what has happened. Using a different phone is important because suspects may stay on the line to keep it open, and then pretend to be a member of staff at your bank.

“Anyone can fall victim of courier fraud but we find those targeted typically tend to be between the ages of 70 to 89 years old. Therefore, we would urge anyone who is involved in a caring or supportive role to people of these ages to start conversations about the tactics used and warning signs of courier fraud.

“Often, just making someone aware of the signs can be enough to help them from becoming victim of this trust-eroding crime.”

Analysis of data by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) has highlighted four methods now more commonly being used by fraudsters:

Bank card expiry: Fraudsters claim to be from the victim’s bank and say their card is no longer valid. They ask for the PIN number and then send a ‘courier’ to collect the card before using it for fraudulent purposes.

Purchasing high-end items: The suspects pretend to be police officers and ask the victim to help with an undercover operation by purchasing expensive items like watches, jewellery and gold. Once the item is bought, the victim will hand over the item to the criminal.

Counterfeit cash/bank investigation: A person claiming to be a police officer or banking official informs the victim they need to help with a banking corruption investigation. The victim is told to withdraw a large amount of money and the cash is picked up later by a ‘courier’ to “check for fingerprints or to identify counterfeit bank notes”.

Computer takeover: The fraudster telephones the victim claiming to be from their internet service provider, saying they have had an issue with their connectivity and they are due compensation. The victim is persuaded to download a remote access application, giving the suspects access to their home computers. The fraudster then insists the victims have been paid too much compensation and the victims then withdraw cash to pay the money back, which is later collected by a ‘courier’.

Signs of courier fraud you can look out for:

• It usually starts with an unsolicited telephone call to the victim

• Typically, the suspect will pose as a bank official, police officer or a computer or utility engineer

• Courier fraudsters will usually request the victim either purchases high-value items such as Rolex watches and gold bullion, withdraws cash or provides a bank card for collection from a ‘courier’

• Fraudsters will instruct victims not to tell any family or friends about what they are doing

• Fraudsters will also arrange for a ‘courier’ to meet the victim to collect the item they have purchased.

South Yorkshire Police's advice includes three steps:

Stop: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe

Challenge: Could it be fake? It’s okay to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

Protect: If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at www.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040

Alternatively, call non-emergency number 101 to report information or, if you have information regarding those responsible for fraud, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.