Weekly Fraud Update from West Mercia Police

Although we covered Courier Fraud in last week’s message, we are still seeing a large spike in Courier Fraud attempts and spurious phone calls from persons purporting to be police officers contacting elderly and vulnerable people, predominantly in the Hereford and Shropshire areas.

Why is it called “Courier Fraud”?
The ‘courier’ part of courier fraud is there because scammers will send someone round to collect the ‘evidence’ – usually cash or bank cards complete with PIN numbers – or in some cases actually pick the victims up and take them to a bank, jewellers, or currency exchange to withdraw cash, or buy expensive items to use as collateral in the investigation. The closure of many local Banks has made it easier for criminals to use less secure outlets where their victims can withdraw cash.
So, imagine going about your usual day when your phone rings. You answer it – it’s the Police!
You are told that there’s been fraudulent activity on your bank account, and they need you to help in an investigation to get it sorted. They already have your name and address, but ask you to confirm your identity with your bank details and PIN.

You panic – this sounds serious.
They then ask you to withdraw a substantial sum of cash to use as evidence in the case, but not to tell anyone you’re helping them, as this could jeopardise the investigation and you could be arrested. They send a courier over to pick up the money, and your bank card, all of which you’ll get back as soon as the investigation is finished.
In other cases, they may ask the victim to buy high value items such as jewellery or watches “to help in their investigations”
But of course, You never hear from them again. You never get that money back, and this is how Courier Fraud happens.

How can you help?

If you know what to look out for, you can help protect not only yourself, but also those you care about.
Possible signs that could show someone might be a victim.
• Are they suddenly receiving more phone calls than usual, and not wanting to be overheard?
• Do they seem anxious or withdrawn?
• Are they suddenly more concerned or secretive about their finances than usual?
• If you have access to their bank accounts, are there unusual unexplained high-value withdrawals or purchases?
• Are they experiencing sudden money issues out of the blue?
• Have you noticed unusual visitors to your vulnerable neighbours?

Nationally, total losses to Courier Frauds exceeds £12 million and average personal losses are in excess of £4,000 with some individuals losing much higher figures.

So stay in control
If something feels wrong, then it’s usually right to question it. Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information. Neither your Bank nor the Police will ever call you and ask for your PIN, or get you to hand over your Credit Card to a courier.

Please feel free to share these messages with any vulnerable friends, relatives or neighbours
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Take Five To Stop Fraud

STOP: Taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.
CHALLENGE: Could it be fake? It’s OK to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
PROTECT: Contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud

ALWAYS REMEMBER:
• Avoid disclosing security details
• Emails, Phone Calls and Texts may not be authentic
• Always make direct contact with any organisation by using a genuine phone number
• Stop and Challenge any unexpected requests
• Protect others by reporting Fraud and Scams
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If you’ve fallen for a scam, report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via actionfraud.police.uk.

Scam Text messages can be forwarded to 7726 to help phone providers take early action and block numbers that generate spam on their networks.

Forward Fake Emails received to report@phishing.gov.uk.