Reminder to remain vigilant following recent reports of courier fraud

Reminder to remain vigilant following recent reports of courier fraud

Our Economic Crime Unit (ECU) is asking communities across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to remain vigilant and speak to older family members, friends and neighbours following several recent reports of courier fraud.

The force is currently investigating seven reports of courier fraud which were reported to have occurred between 4 September and yesterday (Monday 12 October).

The incidents occurred in West Leicester, Braunstone, Syston, Narborough, Burbage, Kibworth Beauchamp and Ryhall in Rutland.

Courier fraud occurs when a cold caller contacts the victim claiming to be a police officer or a member of staff from their bank. The person making the call adopts an approach and uses language that makes them sound legitimate and may ask the victim to confirm their name and address and basic information which could have been obtained elsewhere.

In some instances, after trust has been gained, the caller will claim the victim’s bank account has been subject to fraudulent activity or that they are investigating counterfeit currency. The caller will usually persuade the victim to go their local branch and withdraw a large sum of money from their account. The caller will then send someone to collect the money from the victim’s home address.

In other cases. The caller will ask the victim to provide their bank card to a ‘courier’ sent out to collect it and ask them to disclose their PIN number. The card is then used to withdraw money from the victim’s account.

Nicole McIntyre, from the ECU, said: “Fraudsters will usually target elderly or vulnerable people and often sound genuine to gain the trust of the victim.

“I would like to remind our communities that police or banks will not contact people in this way.

“If you get a call like this hang up. If someone comes to your home claiming to be a police officer and they need to take your bank card to trace any fraudulent transactions, do not hand over your card and close the door.

“If you need to contact your bank to check, wait five minutes as fraudsters can stay on the line even after you have hung up or use a different line altogether.

“Your bank cards are yours and never let them be used by others.

“We are asking people to remain vigilant. If you have elderly neighbours or relatives who don’t access our website or social media sites, please advise them of these incidents.

“Telephone companies can assist with call blocking technology to help restrict these types of calls. We would recommend that people talk this through with their vulnerable or elderly family and friends to help prevent this activity.

“At times the fraudsters use local taxi firms to transport potential victims to their banks. We would ask taxi companies to be mindful of this and if they have any suspicions to contact the police immediately.”

Further advice about courier fraud can be found on the Action Fraud website https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/courier-fraud/