This type of fraud is generally aimed at older people and people who have a vulnerability but anyone can be a victim.
We have had a number of these offences reported in Solihull in the last 12 months. Thankfully some of the victims that have been targeted have spotted it was a scam before handing over bank cards and bank details.
How do Courier Fraud criminals operate ?
Victims are contacted by telephone impersonating Police Officers or Bank officials.
The suspect may have basic details about the victim such as their full name and address.
They will claim that there is an issue with the victims bank account, or request their assistance with a false investigation.
The victim is asked to co-operate in an investigation by attending their bank and withdrawing money / foreign currency from an exchange / purchasing high value items such as: jewellery, watches or gold (coins or bullion) or providing their Bank Card / PIN number and promising to send a ‘courier’ to collect these from their home.
At the time of handover, victims are promised the money / items they have purchased / Bank Card / PIN number will be reimbursed but there is no further contact and the money / items are never seen again.
In some cases, they may even convince the victim to transfer money to a supposed safe account.
The bank or police will never ask for help with an investigation; to provide your bank card or PIN number, withdraw cash or purchase high value items.
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.
If you receive an unexpected call, hang up, wait a few moments as fraudsters may stay on the line after you hang up, and call a number known to you to confirm their identity and the legitimacy of the call. Where possible, use a different phone line altogether.
Link to 2 videos Courier Fraud awareness videos on WMP YouTube
