Protect yourself from courier fraud

Dear Resident,

Criminals are targeting people by posing as police officers and banks to steal life savings and we need your help to stop them.

Courier fraud relies entirely on fear and urgency. A caller will claim to be a police officer or a bank official and tell you that your account is at risk or that your identity has been stolen. They might ask for your bank card PIN, tell you to withdraw or transfer large sums of money, or even pressure you into buying luxury items like gold, jewellery, or high-end electronics.

They often claim this is part of a secret investigation to catch a corrupt bank employee. Once you have the money or goods, they send a courier to your door to collect them.

It is important to remember that the police or your bank will never ask for your PIN, tell you to withdraw or transfer money, or send someone to your home to collect money or valuables. They will also never ask you to move your savings into a so-called safe account.

If you receive a call like this, the best thing you can do is hang up immediately.

If you have already been targeted by this scam, please know that this is not your fault. These fraudsters are professional manipulators who are trained to deceive.

Support is available for you and reporting the incident is the most effective way to help us catch those responsible. If a courier is on the way or already at your door, call 999 immediately as this is a crime in progress.

Please share this warning with your loved ones and keep a close eye on elderly family members or neighbours who may be more vulnerable to these tactics.

Watch how fraudsters operate: Stay wise, don't compromise.