Courier fraud on the increase

With the rise in the number of courier frauds across the county Cheshire police are issuing more warnings to residents.

Courier fraud is where a victim is contacted by fraudsters who pretend to be police officers or bank officials.

This can be over the phone or in person. The victims are then told to withdraw or hand over cash or valuable items, to purchase EUROs or provide bank cards or pin numbers. These can then be collected from their home address or at another meeting place by a courier.

Officers in Cheshire have seen an increase in this type of fraud offence and are reminding people that police officers would never ask anyone for money or to hand over valuable items – as a result of a fraud ‘they are investigating’, to help with ‘an ongoing investigation’, or any other reason.

Crime prevention advice: 

• Be sceptical of unexpected calls, texts or visits, even from those who claim to be officials.
• Don’t be afraid to stop the conversation with a brief ‘no, thank you’.
• Never give personal information, such as your date of birth or bank details, to unexpected callers.
• Remember, criminals will use urgency or threats to cause panic and fear. When you are under stress you are less likely to think clearly about your actions.
• The police or your bank would never unexpectedly ask you to withdraw cash, hand over valuables, or move your money to another account, as a result of fraud or any other reason.
• If callers suggest you call your local police or bank to check who they are, use another phone or hang up and ensure the line has been fully disconnected by phoning a friend or relative first, or by waiting at least five minutes. Otherwise, you may think you’ve phoned a number, but you’re simply talking to the fraudsters again. This is a common tactic used by fraudsters.
• If a caller asks you to type your bank PIN number into your telephone handset – do not do this, as fraudsters can use technology to identify the numbers.
• You can opt out of many cold calls by registering for free with the Telephone Preference Service on 0845 070 0707.