Hampshire residents lose £17,000 to courier fraud
Police say there have been an increase in incidents of the scam
A warning to residents across Hampshire after an increase in courier fraud since the end of October and throughout November.
The crimes commonly involve an unexpected call from someone who purports to be a police officer or a staff member from their local bank, or an employee from an internet/phone provider.
They then tell the victim that their account has been subject to fraudulent activity, or is in danger of being closed and then request the victim assist them with the ongoing investigation, with this involving:
1.. Being asked for detail about their financial accounts and bank cards,
- Being sent to their bank to withdraw money, or being asked to buy high value goods, or
- Grant the caller access to their computer or phone, by downloading an application.
Recently police have received six reports of suspected courier fraud between Tuesday 2 November and Tuesday 16 November from communities in Alton, Liphook, Petersfield and the surrounding areas, with those residents losing a combined £17,600 to fraudsters.
The offences, which have been targeted at residents between the ages of 75 and 88 have resulted in the victims losing an average £3,000 each.
If anyone receives a call of this nature, they should not engage with the caller and hang up.
We are wholly committed to bringing an end to offences of this nature and will take steps to identify and bring those individuals responsible to justice.
People should remember that:
• Police officers, banks and other organisations such as HMRC will never call people in this way and ask you to withdraw money or disclose personal or financial information. If someone does do this, hang up – it will be a scam.
• If someone calls claiming to be a police officer, ask for their ID number and police force. Wait at least five minutes before calling back. A genuine police officer will not mind waiting while you check.
• Never hand money or your bank card/pin to someone at the door to be sent off elsewhere.
• If you are a friend, relative or carer of someone you think might be vulnerable to this type of scam, please speak to them about this advice. You might be the only person who can stop them from being scammed.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, report it to police by calling 101.
If a crime is in progress, dial 999.