Advice from Dorset Police to prevent courier frauds
It follows a big rise in incidents in recent weeks
Courier fraud in West Dorset is at an all-time high with 11 incidents being reported this month alone and five victims being defrauded for a total of £72,000.
Officers from Weymouth CID are investigating this latest crime series with the support of the Force’s Economic Crime Unit and fraud triage team.
Due to the increase in victims, Dorset Police has advised members of the public to be wary of three things:
- The police or the bank will never ask you to assist in this way with any investigation
- The police or the bank will never ask you to remove money or transfer your money from your account
- The police or the bank will never attend your address to pick up bank cards or cash
Suspects are said to be impersonating police officers and/or bank staff when phoning potential victims.
Scammers are reporting that alleged counterfeit money sits in the victim’s account or that their bank account has been “compromised.”
Detective Superintendent Stewart Dipple said:
“They either state that they have a suspect in custody, who has been using your bank details or that your bank account has been compromised, with bank staff being involved and corrupt.
“They will then ask you to assist with their investigation and will request you to go to the bank and withdraw several thousands of pounds.”
If questioned about your withdrawal, the scammers will tell you lies to tell the bank, often to do with buying a new car or supporting a child.
Once they’ve gained the victim’s trust, they will ask them to wrap up the notes, place them in a box and send the package to an address they’ve provided.
The scam is considered 'quite an invasive' crime as it targets people at home and via their phone or landline.
Detective Superintendent Stewart Dipple said:
“They will keep you on the phone and often request you to leave the phone line live. If you have a mobile phone, they will ask you to keep the line open when you travel to the bank.”
Courier fraud is a pressing concern in Dorset with 66 reports so far this year and as the recent incidents show, there’s no sign of it easing off.
We're asked to please be alert and report any suspicious activities.
Dorset Police also want us to look out for vulnerable family members or neighbours and make sure they are aware of this potential scam.