Alert issued after reports of courier fraud

Officers investigating incidents of fraud have issued a warning to others after two people have been targeted this week.

Yesterday (Tuesday 12 May), two victims reported being contacted by someone pretending to a police officer in offences commonly known as courier fraud.
Courier fraud occurs when a fraudster contacts the victim claiming to be a police officer or bank official. The fraudster, using calling by phone, sounds plausible and may confirm the victim’s name and address, basic information which could be obtained easily.

In some instances, after trust has been gained, the fraudster will claim the victim’s bank account has had some fraudulent activity or that the caller is investigating counterfeit currency. They persuade the victim to go their local branch and take out a large sum of money from their account. The fraudsters then send someone to collect the money from the victim’s home address.

During these recent reports, the suspect has specifically said they work for ‘Leicester Police’ and in the second incident, the victim, who lives in the Abbey Ward area of Leicester, handed over a bank card and PIN number to the suspect at her address which was later fraudulently used.

The suspect in this incident also attended her address a second time and took a number of items of her jewellery stating he would keep them safe at the police station in case she was burgled.

Nicole McIntyre from the force’s economic crime unit, said: “While the courier fraud scam is one, we are very familiar with, and is always one of concern, it is unusual that the suspect has returned to the address and also stolen jewellery. Suspects target elderly or vulnerable people and often sound genuine to gain the trust of the victims. Clearly, knowing the victim has already handed over her bank card and PIN he has returned exploiting her vulnerability once more.

“We want to remind people that police or banks would not contact people in this way. If you get a call like this hang up. If you get a visit at your door from someone claiming to be 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 the scam can be found on the Action Fraud website https://www.reportfraud.police.uk/courier-fraud/ and the steps people can take to protect themselves.”