Alerts out after wave of courier fraud reports in West Sussex
An 87-year-old woman was among those targeted, according to police
At least 24 reports of courier fraud have been received by police in West Sussex throughout February.
Sussex Police are urging people to stay alert following a wave in cases, which saw victims lose an average of £2,000.
Courier fraud is when a fraudster calls the victim pretending to be from the police or a bank and asks for money under false pretences.
They will arrange for someone to pick up the money from the victim’s home, leaving the victim out of pocket.
Most recent cases have involved the suspect taking the victim’s bank card and withdrawing money from their account.
One of those who nearly lost a large sum of money was an 87-year-old woman from Worthing who was targeted on February 23rd.
She had been contacted by phone by someone pretending to be from her bank.
The victim had a conversation with them where they told a convoluted story about a fraud that caused £10,000 to be taken out of her account. She was told that some money had been put back in but not the entire amount.
The fraudster instructed the woman to take out £6,500 in cash and then to travel straight home, and to tell bank staff that the money was for her grandchildren if they queried it.
She was told to disclose her address so a courier could pick up the money later that evening.
Fortunately, after telling her friend about the phone call, they became suspicious and called police. No money was lost.
PC Bernadette Lawrie, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer for Sussex Police, said:
"Criminals continue to exploit people through this appalling method and we are urging the public to be cautious of unexpected phone calls from people asking for personal information.
"If you have an older family member, we urge you to talk them through these tips for keeping safe from these courier frauds."
How to protect yourself from courier fraud:
Act with care if you get an unsolicited call
The police or your bank will never ask you to withdraw money or hand over your bank cards
Never transfer funds into a new account on the instruction of an unexpected caller – even if they tell you that the account is in your name
Always check your phone line has properly disconnected before making another call – wait five minutes after the suspicious call before making another
Never share your PIN number or enter your PIN into a telephone
Never withdraw money and hand it to a courier or anyone who comes to your door
Never give your bank cards to a courier or anyone who comes to your door.
Please pass this advice onto your loved ones, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable.
Those who believe they have been a victim of fraud - or somebody they know has - can report information via the Sussex Police website or by calling 101.