'Courier fraud' warning from police scam expert

FRAUDSTERS are cold-calling victims and claiming to be specialist officers tackling the very same crime.

South Yorkshire Police issued a warning about “courier fraud”, in which scammers claim to be calling from banks, the police or other legal agencies.

The con men then convince victims that they must help to investigate fraudulent activity in their own bank account.

“Excuses include saying there has been suspicious activity on your account, rogue banking staff who have accessed that account, or that they have arrested someone who has been using the victim’s details and card,” said Andy Foster, of the force’s financial crime unit.

“The offender will ask the victim to go to their bank and withdraw substantial sums of money, advising that if challenged by bank staff to make up an excuse, such as buying a new car or similar.

“They then inform the victim to take the cash home to ‘check’ the money and that a courier will arrive to collect the cash.”

He added: “Here in South Yorkshire we have seen a rise in this type of phone call with the offender claiming to be a police officer, usually from the Metropolitan Police or New Scotland Yard’s Fraud Team.”

The sophisticated fraudsters may ask victims to call back on 161 or the number on the back of their bank cards, to confirm the call’s authenticity.

But the criminals do not hang up, keeping the line open — the victim them speaks to the same person or an accomplice.

Mr Foster said: “Unfortunately, victims in our area have all been elderly.

“Banks or the police will never ask anyone to withdraw cash or ask for security details, so please be on your guard if you receive a call from someone claiming to be your bank or the police.”

He added: “I would advise anyone receiving unsolicited calls via their home phone to contact their telephone provider and ask them if they provide a free call-blocking service.

“Alternatively, call-blocking devices and telephones with call-blocking software pre-installed are available to buy.”

To report a fraud, visit www.actionfraud.police.uk or call Action Fraud on 0300 1232040.

See www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/courier-scam for more information about courier scams.