This scam is occurring daily and people are being scammed out of thousands of pounds.
COURIER FRAUD
**Please make sure your elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours are aware of this scam**
Fraudsters are contacting victims by telephone and purporting to be a police officer or bank official. To substantiate this claim, the caller might be able to confirm some easily obtainable basic details about the victim such as their full name and address. They may also offer a telephone number for the victim to call to check that they are genuine; this number is not genuine and simply redirects to the fraudster who pretends to be a different person. After some trust has been established, the fraudster will then, for example, suggest;
- Some money has been removed from a victim’s bank account and staff at their local bank branch are responsible.
- Suspects have already been arrested but the “police” need money for evidence.
- A business such as a jewellers or currency exchange is operating fraudulently and they require assistance to help secure evidence.
Victims are then asked to cooperate in an investigation by attending their bank and withdrawing money, withdrawing foreign currency from an exchange or purchasing an expensive item to hand over to a courier for examination who will also be a fraudster. Again, to reassure the victim, a safe word might be communicated to the victim so the courier appears genuine.
At the time of handover, unsuspecting victims are promised the money they’ve handed over or spent will be reimbursed but in reality there is no further contact and the money is never seen again.
Protect Yourself... Your bank or the police will never:
- Phone and ask you for your PIN or full banking password.
- Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping, or send someone to your home to collect cash, PIN, cards or cheque books if you are a victim of fraud.
Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Be mindful of who you trust – criminals may try and trick you into their confidence by telling you that you’ve been a victim of fraud
Stay in control...
If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information.
You can get more information by visiting the following websites:
www.takefive.stopfraud.org.uk
www.cyberaware.gov.uk
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/spotting-a-scam/
www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud
If you or anyone you know receives a call relating to any type of scam, please report to 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm.
Message Sent By
Wesley Smith (Police, PCSO, Chipping Norton)
COURIER FRAUD
**Please make sure your elderly or vulnerable relatives and neighbours are aware of this scam**
Fraudsters are contacting victims by telephone and purporting to be a police officer or bank official. To substantiate this claim, the caller might be able to confirm some easily obtainable basic details about the victim such as their full name and address. They may also offer a telephone number for the victim to call to check that they are genuine; this number is not genuine and simply redirects to the fraudster who pretends to be a different person. After some trust has been established, the fraudster will then, for example, suggest;
- Some money has been removed from a victim’s bank account and staff at their local bank branch are responsible.
- Suspects have already been arrested but the “police” need money for evidence.
- A business such as a jewellers or currency exchange is operating fraudulently and they require assistance to help secure evidence.
Victims are then asked to cooperate in an investigation by attending their bank and withdrawing money, withdrawing foreign currency from an exchange or purchasing an expensive item to hand over to a courier for examination who will also be a fraudster. Again, to reassure the victim, a safe word might be communicated to the victim so the courier appears genuine.
At the time of handover, unsuspecting victims are promised the money they’ve handed over or spent will be reimbursed but in reality there is no further contact and the money is never seen again.
Protect Yourself... Your bank or the police will never:
- Phone and ask you for your PIN or full banking password.
- Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping, or send someone to your home to collect cash, PIN, cards or cheque books if you are a victim of fraud.
Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Be mindful of who you trust – criminals may try and trick you into their confidence by telling you that you’ve been a victim of fraud
Stay in control...
If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information.
You can get more information by visiting the following websites:
www.takefive.stopfraud.org.uk
www.cyberaware.gov.uk
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/scams/spotting-a-scam/
www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud
If you or anyone you know receives a call relating to any type of scam, please report to 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 Monday to Friday 8am - 8pm.
Message Sent By
Wesley Smith (Police, PCSO, Chipping Norton)
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