Beware of courier con warn police

Ruthless individuals are operating in Lincolnshire to con people out of their savings.

This is the warning from Lincolnshire Police who report that there have been two incidents this year in which residents have lost money to courier fraud and many more cases of failed attempts as people have spotted. the scam.

To protect yourself from courier fraud, it’s helpful to recognise the tactics used by fraudsters. So what is courier fraud? 

Detective Inspector Georgia McCormack is Head of the Economic Crime Unit and explained how the scam works. 

“In the first instance, it’s a cold call on your phone. The caller may say they are a police officer, or that they work for the bank, and they will ask for your help. They may tell you that a fraudulent payment has been spotted on your account, or that someone has been arrested using your cards.”  

 DI McCormack warned that the caller may present themselves as well spoken and knowledgeable and that they will use detailed and elaborate stories to draw people in. She continued, “These are highly adept and convincing individuals who use financial grooming to deceive their victim.” 

There’s one tactic to look out for that they may use to try and convince you of their authenticity which is telling you to hang up and dial 999 or 101 to check their name with the operator. In reality, they haven’t ended the call. They play a dial tone and then answer themselves. If in doubt, call the police or your bank from another phone.  

Fraudsters may go on to tell you to withdraw cash saying that this is ‘evidence’ – they may say it’s counterfeit or is to be sent for forensic or fingerprint analysis. Alternatively, they ask you to purchase high value goods or gift cards, or to share your PIN numbers. In each case, a courier will be sent to your home to collect the cash, goods or bank cards. They will assure you that you will be reimbursed. But of course, you won’t.

The important message to take away is that police and banks will NEVER ask for your PIN or ask you to withdraw money or purchase items on their behalf. 

If you need advice, contact your local police via 101 or visit ReportFraud.police.uk for further information on how to make a report, protect yourself or get help and support.