Messages sent via Devon and Cornwall Alert
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The community messaging service used by Devon & Cornwall Police, Action Fraud, Crimestoppers and Neighbourhood Watch
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** NEW - Message issued 7th November 2019 **
Message sent by Shirley Craft (Police, Community Messaging Officer, Devon & Cornwall)
Courier Fraud
Action Fraud is warning the public to be wary of courier fraud after receiving 2,171 reports between August 2017 and July 2019. The total reported losses in the same period were £10,549,793. The latest figures from the national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre, reveal that the majority of courier fraud victims are elderly, with more than half aged 80 or over at the time of reporting. Only 3% of all courier fraud victims were under 50 years old.
The most likely demographic to be targeted by courier fraudsters are women over 75 years old (62%). The largest proportion of victims resided in London (32%) and the south east of England (19%). On average, victims reported losing £8,346 each to courier fraudsters.
What’s courier fraud?
Criminals typically carry out courier fraud by cold calling the victim, purporting to be a police officer or bank official to gain their trust. The fraudsters will then claim there’s an issue with the victim’s bank account or request their assistance with an ongoing bank or police investigation.
The ultimate aim of this call is to trick them into handing over money or their bank details.
Common techniques used by the fraudsters include telling the victim to withdraw large sums of cash or go and buy high value items. Sometimes they instruct the victim to leave their bank cards in an envelope somewhere safe. In all cases, a ‘courier’ will then come and pick up the cash, expensive item or envelope, on behalf of the police or bank. They will often come to the victim’s home address.
What’s being done to stop it?
Law enforcement agencies are working with banks to fight back against this type of fraud through a rapid-response scheme called the ‘Banking Protocol’.
This industry-wide initiative trains bank branch staff on how to spot when someone is about to fall victim to a scam and what they can do to prevent them from withdrawing cash to give to a fraudster. The staff can request an immediate police response to the branch to investigate the suspected fraud and catch those responsible.
The ‘Banking Protocol’ is now operational across the UK and has already prevented customers from losing £38 million to criminals. It also led to 231 arrests in 2018.
Protect yourself
Behind all of the clever tricks and ever-changing narratives, there are a few basic recurring elements that are common across many frauds, including courier fraud. Here’s what you need to remember:
Your bank or the police will never…
It pays to stop and think anytime you receive a request for personal or financial information. Remember, if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about what you’re being asked to do, never hesitate to contact your bank or financial service provider directly, using a number you trust, such as the one listed on your bank statements or on the back of your card. Alternatively, sense check your actions with a trusted friend or family member and get their advice on whether you should go through with any action relating to your finances.
Commander Karen Baxter, National Police Coordinator for Economic Crime at the City of London Police, said:
“Courier fraud affects the most vulnerable people in our communities. It’s important we all do what we can to protect these individuals and raise awareness of how people can protect themselves."
“The ‘Banking Protocol’ is just one of many ways police forces across the UK are working in collaboration with the banking sector to protect people from fraud."
“You can assist us by looking out for those in your community, in your circle of friends, or even within your family, that may be susceptible to this type of fraud. Victims tend to be elderly, living alone, and trusting of the police and other official organisations. By informing them this type of crime is happening and encouraging them to report any attempts of courier fraud, successful or not, to Action Fraud and the police, you can help us create a hostile environment for fraudsters.”
Message sent by Shirley Craft (Police, Community Messaging Officer, Devon & Cornwall)
Courier Fraud
- Action Fraud warns public of courier fraud after £10.5 million reported loss in two years
- Action Fraud received over 2,000 reports of courier fraud in two years
- Nearly two thirds of victims were women over 75
- On average, victims lost over £8,000 each to courier fraudsters
Action Fraud is warning the public to be wary of courier fraud after receiving 2,171 reports between August 2017 and July 2019. The total reported losses in the same period were £10,549,793. The latest figures from the national fraud and cyber crime reporting centre, reveal that the majority of courier fraud victims are elderly, with more than half aged 80 or over at the time of reporting. Only 3% of all courier fraud victims were under 50 years old.
The most likely demographic to be targeted by courier fraudsters are women over 75 years old (62%). The largest proportion of victims resided in London (32%) and the south east of England (19%). On average, victims reported losing £8,346 each to courier fraudsters.
What’s courier fraud?
Criminals typically carry out courier fraud by cold calling the victim, purporting to be a police officer or bank official to gain their trust. The fraudsters will then claim there’s an issue with the victim’s bank account or request their assistance with an ongoing bank or police investigation.
The ultimate aim of this call is to trick them into handing over money or their bank details.
Common techniques used by the fraudsters include telling the victim to withdraw large sums of cash or go and buy high value items. Sometimes they instruct the victim to leave their bank cards in an envelope somewhere safe. In all cases, a ‘courier’ will then come and pick up the cash, expensive item or envelope, on behalf of the police or bank. They will often come to the victim’s home address.
What’s being done to stop it?
Law enforcement agencies are working with banks to fight back against this type of fraud through a rapid-response scheme called the ‘Banking Protocol’.
This industry-wide initiative trains bank branch staff on how to spot when someone is about to fall victim to a scam and what they can do to prevent them from withdrawing cash to give to a fraudster. The staff can request an immediate police response to the branch to investigate the suspected fraud and catch those responsible.
The ‘Banking Protocol’ is now operational across the UK and has already prevented customers from losing £38 million to criminals. It also led to 231 arrests in 2018.
Protect yourself
Behind all of the clever tricks and ever-changing narratives, there are a few basic recurring elements that are common across many frauds, including courier fraud. Here’s what you need to remember:
Your bank or the police will never…
- Call and ask you for your full PIN or full banking password
- Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them
- Ask you to transfer money out of your account
It pays to stop and think anytime you receive a request for personal or financial information. Remember, if you feel uncomfortable or unsure about what you’re being asked to do, never hesitate to contact your bank or financial service provider directly, using a number you trust, such as the one listed on your bank statements or on the back of your card. Alternatively, sense check your actions with a trusted friend or family member and get their advice on whether you should go through with any action relating to your finances.
Commander Karen Baxter, National Police Coordinator for Economic Crime at the City of London Police, said:
“Courier fraud affects the most vulnerable people in our communities. It’s important we all do what we can to protect these individuals and raise awareness of how people can protect themselves."
“The ‘Banking Protocol’ is just one of many ways police forces across the UK are working in collaboration with the banking sector to protect people from fraud."
“You can assist us by looking out for those in your community, in your circle of friends, or even within your family, that may be susceptible to this type of fraud. Victims tend to be elderly, living alone, and trusting of the police and other official organisations. By informing them this type of crime is happening and encouraging them to report any attempts of courier fraud, successful or not, to Action Fraud and the police, you can help us create a hostile environment for fraudsters.”
** UPDATE 31st October 2019 - A local resident has been targeted very recently with the same scam described below - please remain vigilant for these telephone scams **
Message sent by Linzi Berryman (Police, DC Alert Officer, Devon & Cornwall)
Fraudsters Are Convincing And After Your Money - Elderly Victims Are Being Targeted
Devon and Cornwall Police received two reports on Tuesday 23 July of elderly residents being the target of telephone scams, with fraudsters working in the area.
Fraudsters are contacting victims by telephone and purporting to be a police officer or bank official. To substantiate this claim, the caller might be able to confirm some easily obtainable basic details about the victim such as their full name and address. They may also offer a telephone number for the victim to call to check they are genuine; this number is not genuine and simply redirects to the fraudsters who pretend to be a different person.
After some trust has been established, the fraudster will then, for example, suggest;
Today's victims, a lady in her 80s from the Exeter area, and a man in his 70s from the Liskeard area, were contacted by someone pretending to be from the Serious Fraud Office, Scotland Yard, by the name of John Collins. He stated that someone had used their account details to buy items online.
The fraudsters frightened the victims into believing their money was at risk and not to trust anyone in the bank. They were told to withdraw nearly £10,000, as well as various amounts of foreign currency, from their personal accounts and hand them to a man called Martin Johnson working for the police; the courier.
It is often the case, to reassure the victim, a 'safe word' might be communicated to the victim so the courier appears genuine. At the time of handover, unsuspecting victims are promised the money they’ve handed over will be reimbursed, but, in reality, there is no further contact and the money is never seen again.
Both victims have been safeguarded and no money has been paid out to the criminals.
The public are reminded that these fraudsters are highly professional in their approach and incredibly convincing. The best way to prevent these scams is to make everyone aware.
Remember, your bank or the police will never:
Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Be mindful of who you trust – criminals may try and trick you into their confidence by telling you that you’ve been a victim of fraud.
Stay in control - if something feels wrong, then it is usually right to question it. Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information.
Message sent by Linzi Berryman (Police, DC Alert Officer, Devon & Cornwall)
Fraudsters Are Convincing And After Your Money - Elderly Victims Are Being Targeted
Devon and Cornwall Police received two reports on Tuesday 23 July of elderly residents being the target of telephone scams, with fraudsters working in the area.
Fraudsters are contacting victims by telephone and purporting to be a police officer or bank official. To substantiate this claim, the caller might be able to confirm some easily obtainable basic details about the victim such as their full name and address. They may also offer a telephone number for the victim to call to check they are genuine; this number is not genuine and simply redirects to the fraudsters who pretend to be a different person.
After some trust has been established, the fraudster will then, for example, suggest;
- Some money has been removed from a victim’s bank account and staff at their local bank branch are responsible;
- Suspects have already been arrested but the 'police' need money for evidence.
Today's victims, a lady in her 80s from the Exeter area, and a man in his 70s from the Liskeard area, were contacted by someone pretending to be from the Serious Fraud Office, Scotland Yard, by the name of John Collins. He stated that someone had used their account details to buy items online.
The fraudsters frightened the victims into believing their money was at risk and not to trust anyone in the bank. They were told to withdraw nearly £10,000, as well as various amounts of foreign currency, from their personal accounts and hand them to a man called Martin Johnson working for the police; the courier.
It is often the case, to reassure the victim, a 'safe word' might be communicated to the victim so the courier appears genuine. At the time of handover, unsuspecting victims are promised the money they’ve handed over will be reimbursed, but, in reality, there is no further contact and the money is never seen again.
Both victims have been safeguarded and no money has been paid out to the criminals.
The public are reminded that these fraudsters are highly professional in their approach and incredibly convincing. The best way to prevent these scams is to make everyone aware.
Remember, your bank or the police will never:
- Phone and ask for your PIN or full banking password;
- Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping, or send someone to your home to collect cash, PIN, cards or cheque books if you are a victim of fraud.
Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and address or even your mother’s maiden name), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Be mindful of who you trust – criminals may try and trick you into their confidence by telling you that you’ve been a victim of fraud.
Stay in control - if something feels wrong, then it is usually right to question it. Have the confidence to refuse unusual requests for personal or financial information.
** Message issued 2nd July 2019 **
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Drivers Targeted With Fake Fines
What you need to know.....
Action Fraud have received an increase in reports and intelligence where elderly victims are being targeted by individuals purporting to be police officers or traffic wardens. The victims are being approached whilst parked in a car park and are told by the suspect that they have parked illegally or broken a speed limit and a photo has been taken of their car for ‘evidence’.
Victims are advised that they will face a substantial penalty fine unless they pay a smaller upfront fee immediately. Victims, who opt for paying the smaller penalty, will be directed to a parking meter and asked to enter their card and PIN. These parking meters have been tampered with by the suspect in order to retain the card.
Once the victim inserts their card and are asked for their PIN, the victims are shoulder surfed for their PIN by the suspect. Once victims input their PIN, the card is retained by the machine and victims are told by the suspect to seek help from the company who operates the parking meter or their bank.
What you need to do.....
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Drivers Targeted With Fake Fines
What you need to know.....
Action Fraud have received an increase in reports and intelligence where elderly victims are being targeted by individuals purporting to be police officers or traffic wardens. The victims are being approached whilst parked in a car park and are told by the suspect that they have parked illegally or broken a speed limit and a photo has been taken of their car for ‘evidence’.
Victims are advised that they will face a substantial penalty fine unless they pay a smaller upfront fee immediately. Victims, who opt for paying the smaller penalty, will be directed to a parking meter and asked to enter their card and PIN. These parking meters have been tampered with by the suspect in order to retain the card.
Once the victim inserts their card and are asked for their PIN, the victims are shoulder surfed for their PIN by the suspect. Once victims input their PIN, the card is retained by the machine and victims are told by the suspect to seek help from the company who operates the parking meter or their bank.
What you need to do.....
- If you are suspicious about the authenticity of the fine, do not pay it until you have verified it with your local council.
- Always shield your PIN from view when using an ATM machine, and never share your PIN with anyone.
- If your bank card is retained by an ATM machine, contact your bank immediately to inform them.
** Message issued 7th June 2019 **
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
HMRC Alert
What you need to know.....
It is vital that the public exercise caution when receiving messages or telephone calls of this nature.
What you need to do.....
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
HMRC Alert
What you need to know.....
- Action Fraud has experienced an increase in the reporting of malicious calls and voicemails, to members of the public purporting to be from Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC).
- Fraudsters are spoofing genuine HMRC telephone numbers to deceive their victims over the phone. The fraudsters state that as a result of the victim’s non-payment of tax or other duty, the victim is liable for prosecution or other legal proceedings in order to settle the balance. The fraudsters suggest victims can avoid this, by arranging payment to be made immediately by methods such as bank transfer or by purchasing iTunes gift cards.
- If the victim is hesitant or refuses to comply, the suspect makes a threat such as immediate arrest, sending bailiffs to the victim’s address or, in some cases, deportation.
- Often, the period for which the tax is allegedly due is distant enough to guarantee the victim will have little, if any, paperwork or ability to verify the claims. Once the money is paid the suspects sever all contact with the victim.
- In genuine cases, HMRC will initially make direct contact with you via post/letter and potentially follow up that letter with a phone call at a later date.
- If HMRC contact you via telephone they will quote the reference number on the initial letter you should have received. HMRC will not discuss something you are not already aware of, like a tax investigation, and will NOT demand immediate payment.
It is vital that the public exercise caution when receiving messages or telephone calls of this nature.
What you need to do.....
- Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information. Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and contact details), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Instead, contact the company directly using trusted methods such as a known email address or phone number.
- Legitimate organisations wouldn’t ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using an iTunes gift card, or any other type of voucher. If you’re contacted by anyone that asks you to do this, you’re likely the target of a scam
- Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot.
- Report Phishing attempts. If you receive a call, text or email of this nature and have not lost money, you can report this as phishing to Action Fraud.
** Message issued 6th June 2019 **
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Courier Fraud, Bogus Police and Bank Officials Alert
What you need to know.....
Individuals have been receiving phone calls from people claiming to be a police officer or banking official.
The suspect will say either:
Your bank or the police will never:
Message sent by Action Fraud (Action Fraud, Administrator, National)
Courier Fraud, Bogus Police and Bank Officials Alert
What you need to know.....
Individuals have been receiving phone calls from people claiming to be a police officer or banking official.
The suspect will say either:
- There has been fraudulent activity at the victim’s bank and the staff at the bank are involved, the victim is then asked to withdraw money to either keep it safe or assist the police with their investigation.
- A business such as a jewellers or currency exchange is fraudulent and they require the victim's assistance to help secure evidence by purchasing jewellery or exchange a large amount of currency to hand over to the police.
- The victim's card has been compromised and used to purchase goods by a suspect, the victim is requested to withdraw their money to keep it safe or hand over their bank card to the police.
- Occasionally the victim will be told to dial a non-emergency extension of ‘161’ to receive confirmation of the individual’s bogus identity, the bogus official will advise the victim to lie about the reason for the withdrawal or purchase if challenged by staff, as the staff member is involved in the fraud.
- A courier attends the victim’s home address to collect the goods the same day, often the victim is given a code word for the courier as a way of authentication.
Your bank or the police will never:
- Phone and ask you for your PIN or full banking password
- Ask you to withdraw money to hand over to them for safe-keeping
- Ask you to transfer money out of your account
- Send someone to your home to collect cash, PINs, cards to cheque books