Derbyshire police warning about courier fraud

The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) have received reports of fraudsters posing as police or bank staff to trick victims into handing over cash or cards collected by bogus couriers.

The fraudster will contact victims by phone to tell them that their bank accounts have been fraudulently accessed or that the bank has increased its security. Victims are then told to contact a false helpline or to redial a legitimate number, with the current line kept open.

The victim is further instructed to withdraw money from their bank or to make their cards and PIN available to be collected from their home by a bogus courier.

Detective Inspector Rob King, Head of the Derbyshire Constabulary Economic Crime Unit, said: “Fraudsters are finding new ways to target their victims and this is a particularly sophisticated fraud.

“Not only does the fraudster deceive the victim but they also arrange for someone to attend their home address to collect a credit or debit card. They now have the PIN, the card and an appetite for shopping on their bank account.

“Thankfully there are steps that we can all take to protect ourselves from fraud and by spreading the message we can aim to stamp out fraud and protect more people, particularly the elderly, from falling victim to the crime.

“Remember, the police would not cold call about a suspected offence, the banks will never suggest for you to hand your card to a courier and the banks and police would never ask for your PIN or bank card.”

To help to protect yourself from courier fraud follow these simple steps:

Never give out your card details, PIN or bank card to anyone and always end any suspicious calls immediately before reporting the incident;

Contact your bank immediately to cancel your cards if you have handed over any details to the fraudster;

If you receive a call such as this and want to contact your bank, use an independently sourced telephone number and call from another line eg mobile phone.

For more advice around fraud, visit the dedicated Stamp out Fraud webpage at www.derbyshire.police.uk/stampoutfraud

If you think that you have been a victim of fraud, contact the non-emergency number for Derbyshire police on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Report any suspicious incidents to the police immediately by phoning 101 or 999 if the crime is in action.