Devon and Cornwall police alert re. Courier Fraud

Devon and Cornwall have asked us to pass on the following information with regard courier fraud. 

Criminals carry out courier fraud by cold calling the victim, purporting to be a police officer or bank official. The fraudsters will then claim there’s an issue with the victim’s bank account or request their assistance with an ongoing bank or police investigation. The ultimate aim of this call is to trick them into handing over money or their bank details.

Common techniques used by the fraudsters include telling the victim to withdraw large sums of cash, purchase an expensive item, or provide their bank cards/details. In all cases, a ‘courier’ will then come and pick up the cash or items, on behalf of the police or bank. They will often come to the victim’s home address.

Courier Fraud is committed by Organised Crime Groups and targets the elderly and vulnerable.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fy-RSQfwLDw or
https://www.met.police.uk/littlemedia
(Avoiding Impersonation Fraud)

The scale of courier fraud in the UK should not be underestimated, as nationally:
•£10.5 million reported loss in just two years
•Over 2,000 reports to Action Fraud in two years
•Two thirds of victims were women over 75
•On average victims lost over £8,000 each

Recently we have had two victims in the North Devon area, suffering a loss of around £10,000 each.

If you or someone you know has been a victim, it can be quite common to not feel able to report it. We urge you to do so in order that we can get a full picture of the offences which will give us the best chance of catching the offenders. Please report on 101. If it is easier for you to email please send information to: 101@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk

If cold callers, withheld numbers and silent calls are an issue for you or someone you know then please see this link for information about call blockers:

https://www.devon-cornwall.police.uk/advice/your-money/fraud/courier-and-telephone-fraud/

Free Fraud Awareness talks are available for social groups and coffee mornings. If you would like to arrange an input please call 01271 311415 or email Kim.Foster@DevonandCornwall.pnn.police.uk