Dear Resident

Courier fraud is a growing scam targeting elderly individuals, especially during the holiday season when they may be more vulnerable. Criminals often pose as bank representatives or police officers and convince their victims to hand over their bank cards and PIN numbers. 

Scammers typically call their targets, claiming there's a problem with their bank account or that they need their assistance with an investigation. They'll then pressure the victim to withdraw cash or provide their card information, promising to send a courier to collect it. 

In some cases, they may even convince the victim to transfer money to a supposed secure account or hand over high-value items, such as jewellery, watches or gold (coins or bullion). 

We’re urging the public to look out for elderly loved ones and neighbours in the run up to the festive period. Here are our top tips to stay safe: 

- 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 bank card by courier. Hang up immediately if you receive a call like this. 

- If you need to contact your bank to check the call was legitimate, wait five minutes as fraudsters may stay on the line after you hang up. Alternatively, use a different line altogether to contact your bank and ensure you call them back on a number listed on the bank’s website, or on the back of your debit or credit card. 

- Your debit or credit card is yours: don’t let a stranger take it from you. You should only ever have to hand it over at your bank. If it’s cancelled or expired, you should destroy it yourself. 

We also encourage you to watch our Courier Fraud film on YouTube.

For more information, click here. 

Walsall Police