Police have reported that more than £28 million was lost to courier fraud in the past year. Fraudsters are increasingly targeting pensioners, causing significant financial and emotional damage. On average, victims lost £20,032 to these scams. Fraudsters pose as police officers or bank officials, tricking their victims into handing over money, valuables, or bank cards to a courier.
Approximately 63% of victims were female and 37% male. A significant 85% of victims were aged between 60 and 90, with the oldest victim being 94.
Who Are the Targets?
City of London Police revealed that people in their 80s are the most frequent targets, accounting for 43% of all victims, according to Action Fraud data. Fraudsters often tell victims there is an issue with their account or claim a business is operating fraudulently, needing their assistance in an investigation.
The elderly are often targeted in courier fraud cases because they are perceived as more trusting and less tech-savvy. Many rely on landline phones, making them accessible to fraudsters posing as legitimate entities. Additionally, older adults often have substantial savings, making them attractive targets for fraudsters. Their potential lack of familiarity with modern fraud tactics further increases their vulnerability.
The Financial Impact
Between April 2023 and March 2024, a staggering £28,686,091 was lost to courier fraud, slightly down from the previous year. Despite this slight decrease, the impact remains severe. This month alone, one victim was scammed out of £56,000, highlighting the ongoing threat. In response, police reported five arrests in May following a combined effort across England and Wales.
This operation, which involved over 100 referrals in just two weeks from 26 different forces, demonstrates the scale and coordination required to tackle this widespread issue. The arrests mark a significant step in combating courier fraud. Still, the need for increased awareness and preventative measures remains crucial to protect vulnerable individuals from such scams.
The Emotional Toll
Detective Sergeant Victoria O’Keefe from the City of London Police highlighted that courier fraud is a particularly nasty crime causing severe psychological harm and financial loss. She noted that many victims live alone and suffer from age-related illnesses, making them more vulnerable. The emotional impact of such scams can be devastating, leaving victims feeling isolated and distressed.
O’Keefe emphasised the importance of safeguarding these individuals through increased fraud prevention efforts and community support, as the repercussions extend beyond financial damage to profoundly affect the well-being of the elderly victims.
Protecting the Vulnerable
A joint operation across England and Wales aimed to intensify efforts to crack down on fraudsters preying on the elderly. Over a two-week period, police worked with the Metropolitan Police and other teams to proactively arrest offenders and safeguard vulnerable victims.
Many elderly individuals rely on their landline phones to stay connected. For peace of mind, fit call-blocking devices to protect your loved ones from fraudulent calls. If the police or a bank contacts someone you know unexpectedly and asks them to withdraw money, hand over bank cards, or make purchases, report it to the police immediately.
Official Advice
Police or banks will never ask you for a full password or PIN, request you to withdraw and hand over money, or ask you to transfer money out of your account. Always be sceptical of unsolicited calls and verify the identity of the caller through official channels.
Courier fraud represents a significant threat to the elderly, who are often the most vulnerable. By staying informed and vigilant, we can help protect our loved ones from these malicious activities. Ensure you and your family are aware of the dangers and know how to respond if approached by a fraudster.
