Courier Fraud Warning

Courier fraud remains one of the most devastating and financially damaging scams affecting residents across the UK. Criminals are highly convincing and often target older or vulnerable members of the community, using sophisticated tactics to gain trust and create a sense of urgency.

Fraudsters typically contact victims by telephone, pretending to be police officers, bank employees, fraud investigators or representatives from a trusted organisation. They may claim that a bank account has been compromised, that counterfeit money is being investigated, or that a suspect working at a local branch is under investigation. These stories are designed to cause alarm and encourage immediate action without giving the victim time to think or seek advice.

Victims are often instructed to withdraw large sums of cash, purchase high-value gift cards or jewellery, transfer money to a so-called "safe account", or hand over their bank cards and PIN numbers to a courier who will attend their address. In reality, the courier is working for the fraudsters and any money or property handed over is likely to be lost.

It is important to remember that the police, your bank, or any legitimate organisation will never ask you to withdraw money, transfer funds to a safe account, reveal your PIN, or hand your bank card to a courier.

If you receive a suspicious call, remain calm, end the conversation immediately, and contact your bank using the telephone number printed on the back of your card or from an official statement. If possible, use a different phone line or wait several minutes before making another call, as some fraudsters stay connected to the line after you hang up.

Neighbourhood policing teams continue to work with banks, fraud investigators and partner agencies to raise awareness of courier fraud and protect those most at risk. Sharing this information with elderly relatives, friends and neighbours could help prevent someone becoming a victim.

Crime Prevention Advice

✅ Hang up and verify any claims independently using a trusted contact number.

✅ Never disclose your PIN number, passwords or security details to anyone.

✅ Never hand your bank card, cash, jewellery or valuables to a courier.

✅ Be suspicious of callers who create urgency or pressure you to act immediately.

✅ Remember that there is no such thing as a "safe account" operated by the police or your bank.

✅ Discuss unexpected requests involving money with a trusted family member or friend before taking any action.

✅ If you believe you have been targeted by a fraudster, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via www.actionfraud.police.uk.

Remember

Stop. Think. Verify.

If a caller asks you to withdraw money, transfer funds, buy gift cards or hand over bank cards, it is almost certainly a scam. Taking a moment to verify the information could protect you or a loved one from losing thousands of pounds.