Warning over courier fraud after three Wiltshire residents targeted

'Persuasive' scam targets vulnerable people

Author: Henrietta CreaseyPublished 16th Dec 2022

Wiltshire Police have issued a warning over a 'persuasive and professional' scam targeting vulnerable people in the county.

Three people in the Warminster area were targeted on the same day with thousands of pounds involved.

The force said involves a fraudster contacting victims by telephone and pretending to be a police officer or bank official.

They often gain the victim's trust by confirming easily obtainable personal details like their full name and address.

PC Chris Hemns, from the Complex Fraud Team, explains some of the tactics;

"If it's a fake officer they might claim they've arrested someone in possession of your bank card, or details or if it's a bogus bank employee they'll pretend they are investigating someone at the local bank who is replacing real notes with fake notes. They'll then persuade you using pressure tactics to move money online or withdraw fund from your bank in person. They'll then arrange for a courier, and this is where the term courier fraud comes from, to come to your house to collect the money or bank cards promising to return or reimburse the money. Once it's handed over you have no further contact.'"

Anyone getting a call of this nature is urged to hang up immediately and take a few moments to think is this genuine.

The advice is to call your bank or police on 101 to check but not on the same landline phone as fraudsters often keep the line open and remain on it without people realising.

PC Hemns is asking us to talk to relatives and friends who may be vulnerable to this crime.

He's also warned that people that fall victim are often targeted again.

To report a crime of this nature, call 101 or via the Wiltshire Police website. Alternatively, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Top tips to avoid falling victim to courier fraud:

• Your bank or the police will never call you to ask you to verify your personal details or PIN by phone or offer to pick up your card by courier. Hang up if you get a call like this.

• If you need to call your bank back to check, wait five minutes; fraudsters may stay on the line after you hang up. Alternatively, use a different line altogether to call your bank.

• Your debit or credit card is yours – don’t let a stranger take it off you. You should only ever have to hand it over at your bank. If it’s cancelled, you should destroy it yourself.

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