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Courier fraud is a type of scam where fraudsters pose as police officers or bank officials to trick victims into handing over money, jewellery or bank cards. This scam often involves the use of telephone calls and the involvement of a fake courier who collects the victim’s money or valuables. Here we’ll explore what courier fraud is, how it works, and what you can do to protect yourself.
Courier fraud typically begins with a telephone call from someone claiming to be a police officer or bank official. The caller may use scare tactics, such as telling the victim that their bank account has been compromised or that they have been the victim of fraud. They may also ask the victim to confirm both their personal and bank details over the phone.
Once the fraudster has gained the victim’s trust, they will often arrange for a fake courier to collect the victim’s bank card or cash. The courier will usually arrive with official-looking documents or badges to make the victim believe that they are legitimate. The courier may be instructed to visit the victim’s home or workplace or to meet the victim in a public place such as a park or train station.
Courier fraud mainly targets vulnerable individuals over the age of 70. This demographic, often residing in retirement and care homes, villages, and assisted living facilities, is increasingly falling prey to these shady schemes. The data from The National Fraud Intelligence Bureau paints a stark picture: out of the 1,847 courier fraud reports received across the UK between May 2022 and May 2023, a staggering 1,587 were filed by individuals over 70.
Notably, the data reveals a significant gender disparity in the victims of courier fraud. Women aged 70 and above are disproportionately affected, filing 63% of the reports, compared to 37% filed by men in the same age group. This disparity suggests that fraudsters may be explicitly targeting older women, potentially perceiving them as more trusting or less likely to report fraud.
The reports include 153 cases from individuals in their 90s, demonstrating the broad reach and evil nature of these scams, preying even on the oldest members of society. Remarkably, there was even one report from an individual over 100 years old, underscoring the fact that no one is immune to the risks of courier fraud. These statistics are a wake-up call for both individuals and institutions to take proactive steps in educating and safeguarding our elderly population against courier fraud. It’s essential to spread awareness about the common tactics used by fraudsters and to encourage vigilance among older citizens. Moreover, this data serves as a reminder for families, caregivers, and communities to actively engage in discussions about fraud prevention and to support the elderly in recognising and reporting fraudulent activities.
There are several steps you can take to protect yourself from courier fraud. First, be wary of any unsolicited phone calls, especially if the caller claims to be from the police or your bank. Never give out personal or bank details over the phone under any circumstances. It’s important to remember that neither the police nor your bank would ever ask you to reveal your PIN, make purchases, hand over cash, or give anything to a courier under any circumstances. It is almost certainly a scam if you are asked to do any of these things.
It’s also a good idea to be cautious of any unexpected visitors to your home or workplace, especially if they claim to be from the police or bank. Ask to see their identification and verify their identity with the relevant organisation before giving them any information.
If you do become a victim of courier fraud, it’s important to report the crime to the police immediately. The sooner you report the scam, the more likely it is that the authorities will be able to recover your funds or prevent the fraudster from targeting others.
Courier fraud is a serious issue that can have devastating consequences for its victims. By understanding how courier fraud works and taking steps to protect yourself, you can avoid falling victim to these scams. Remember to be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, requests for money or bank cards, and unexpected visitors to your home or workplace. If you do become a victim, don’t hesitate to report the crime to the police or Action Fraud.
With billions in damages yearly, falling victim can devastate your finances and mental well-being. Take control of your financial security today.
Watch Your Pocket® is a team of experts dedicated to raising awareness about fraud and equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves.
