We’ve received notification from the North East Organised Crime Unit about the latest Fraud scam which whilst the information is directed to the over 70’s I think you may agree this type of courier scam doesn’t and hasn’t just affected the over 70’s we all need to be aware of it.
It’s estimated that the UK's senior population lose more than £12.6 million in the last year to courier fraudsters. People over the age of 70 are being disproportionately targeted by courier fraud, new data from the Police reveals. Courier fraud is a devastating crime that preys on vulnerable and often older people. Millions of pounds of hard-earned pensions and savings are being stolen each year. This type of fraud typically begins with a phone call, text or email where fraudsters pose as either bank officials, police officers, Royal Mail or other authority figures.
Action Fraud identified a link of courier fraudsters now targeting locations such as retirement homes and villages, care homes and buildings that provided assisted living, often targeting some of the country’s most vulnerable and oldest members of society. There is a growing trend of courier fraud taking place and family members and staff supporting older people across the UK need to be vigilant, especially for incoming phone calls to residents, couriers arriving by motorbike or taxi and to any visitors who unexpectedly arrive.
To stay safe and protect yourself remember,
Your bank or the police will never call and ask you to verify your personal details or PIN. If you get a call asking you to do this, hang up, wait a few minutes and call your bank on a number you know to be genuine, such as the one on the back of your card
Your bank or the police will never send a courier to your home to collect your cash, bank cards, PINs, or any other valuable goods. Any requests to do so are part of a scam
The police will not contact you out of the blue and ask you to participate in an investigation that requires you to withdraw money from your bank, or to purchase high value goods, such as jewellery or gold
Don’t rush into making any financial decisions under pressure, take the time to verify information, seek advice from trusted sources.
If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Please pass this information on to any family, friends, relatives or neighbours that you think it would be of interest to. Also if you hear of any such instances please email me: researchandcampaigns@citizensadvicedrc.org.uk