Police warn of rise in courier fraud, after Hampshire resident loses £6500
The scam involves an unexpected caller claiming to be a bank, HMRC, or phone or internet provider.
Police are warning residents of Farnborough and Alresford about the impact of courier fraud.
It's after an increase in incidents in the last week.
The force says they received three reports of suspected courier fraud at some time between Wednesday 14 July and Thursday 15 July.
All of the victims were aged between 70 and 90 with one incident in Farnborough and the other two incidents in Alresford.
In one case, the victim lost more than £6,500.
What is courier fraud?
It involves an unexpected caller claiming to be a bank, police officer, HMRC or phone or internet provider.
They then tell the victim that their account is subject to fraud and request that they assist with the ongoing investigation.
A Hampshire Constabulary spokesperson said:
“The public are our first line of defence in offences of this nature.
“These incidents can often have a significant impact on victims – both emotionally and financially – as they come to terms with the fact that they have fallen for a scam, and the financial losses that come with it.
“However, we want to ensure that those individuals do not become repeat victims, educate them and their loved ones and ensure that fraudsters can no longer take advantage of Hampshire residents.
“If anyone receives a call of this nature, they should not engage with the caller and hang up.
“Hampshire Constabulary is committed to bringing an end to offences of this nature and will take steps to identify and prosecute the individuals responsible.”