Another update from the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Against Scams Partnership. This time it’s about courier fraud, also known as impersonation fraud.

Courier fraud is when criminals cold call a victim, typically claiming to be a police officer or bank official. Offences are often committed by organised crime groups who target the elderly and vulnerable.

Fraudsters may claim there is an issue with the victim’s bank account or request their assistance with an ongoing bank or police investigation – the ultimate aim of the call being to lure them into handing over money or their bank details. The fraudsters may tell the victim to withdraw large sums of cash, purchase an expensive item, or provide their bank cards or details. In all cases, a ‘courier’ will then come and pick up the cash or items, on behalf of the police or bank. You’ll never see them, or your cash, again!

See this excellent YouTube video produced by the Metropolitan Police which shows how courier fraud and other impersonation frauds work.

There is also a recent article in the BBC News which gives a victim account of the devastation caused by courier fraud.

Instances of courier fraud across the country are on the rise and affecting some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.

There were 233 reports of courier fraud in the East of England in 2019 (up until 24 December) with total losses of more than £620,000.

Remember:

1. Your bank or the police will never call you to ask you to verify your personal details or PIN by phone or offer to pick up your card by courier. They will never ask for your bank account details or PIN over the phone, or ask you to send them your bank cards or any other personal property. Hang up if you get a call like this.
2. If you need to call your bank back to check, wait five minutes as fraudsters may stay on the line after you hang up. Alternatively, use a different line altogether to call your bank.
3. Your debit or credit card is yours – don’t let a stranger take it off you. You should only ever have to hand it over at your bank. If it’s cancelled, you should destroy it yourself.
4. If you are suspicious about a telephone conversation you should end the call and contact police via the non-emergency number, 101. Ideally 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.
5. To report an incident in action or if you are in immediate danger always call 999.