Warning to pensioners over 'cruel' courier fraud

Police are warning people not to fall for courier fraud

Pensioners are being warned about "cruel" courier fraud which has led to victims losing more than £400,000.

Courier fraud happens when people are contacted by criminals pretending to be police officers or bank officials, who dupe them into handing over money, valuables, or bank cards which are collected from their home address, often by couriers.

More than £429,000 has been lost by victims in the Avon and Somerset Policing area between March 2023 and April 2024, according to Action Fraud.

Det Insp Scott Chadwick said: “Courier fraud is a cruel crime that often targets vulnerable and elderly people, and can result in psychological harm, as well as financial loss, to the victims."

Courier fraud is known to have taken place in Bath, Bridgwater, Kingswood, Langport, Taunton, Westbury-on-Trym and Yeovil in the past year.

Criminals use a variety of different tactics, often claiming there is a problem with your account and they need your help to catch those responsible.

'People panicking'

The victim may also be encouraged into handing over their bank cards and PINs, as well as high value items such as jewellery, watches, and gold.

People can also be coerced into going out and buying items such as gold and jewellery from legitimate retailers on behalf of criminals.

Police say victims in their 80s are most likely to be targeted.

Det Insp Chadwick said: "These are people who often rely on their landline phones to stay connected with their loved ones and the outside world.

“The criminals behind courier fraud rely on people panicking when they receive a call to say that something on their account looks suspicious."

Police say victims in their 80s are most likely to be targeted

Det Insp Chadwick urged people to take "five minutes to think" and talk to someone they know about what is happening before doing anything.

“We’re asking families and friends of older people to spread the word of what this type of fraud looks like and explain it, so that those at risk are made aware.

"We’re also calling on taxi drivers and delivery people, who may unwittingly be asked to act as couriers to collect money or goods on behalf of the fraudsters, to be on the alert and report anything they think could be suspicious to us,” he said.

In the last two weeks Avon and Somerset Police’s Fraud Team has devoted staff and resourcing to support a national intensification operation, targeted at reducing courier fraud.