West Sussex residents are being warned after at least 24 cases of courier fraud were reported last month (February).
Courier fraud is when someone calls up pretending to be from a trustworthy organisation, such as the police or a bank, and asks for money under false pretences.
The victim is normally persuaded to arrange a time for someone to come and pick up the money from their home.
Sussex Police said most recent cases have involved the suspect taking the victim’s bank card and withdrawing money from their account, with the average loss being around £2,000.
On one occasion, an 87-year-old woman from Worthing was close to losing £6,500.
The victim was contacted over the phone by a person pretending to be from her bank, who told her a convoluted story about a £10,000 being taken out of her account.
The victim was told that some money had been put back in but not the entire amount.
She was instructed to take out £6,500 in cash and then to travel straight home, and to tell bank staff that the money was for her grandchildren if they queried it.
She was told to disclose her address so a courier could pick up the money later that evening.
Fortunately, after telling her friend about the phone call, they became suspicious and called police. No money was lost.
PC Bernadette Lawrie said:
"Criminals continue to exploit people through this appalling method and we are urging the public to be cautious of unexpected phone calls from people asking for personal information.
"If you have an older family member, we urge you to talk them through these tips for keeping safe from these courier frauds."
To protect yourself from courier fraud, Sussex Police advise you follow the below steps:
- Act with care if you get an unsolicited call
- The police or your bank will never ask you to withdraw money or hand over your bank cards
- Never transfer funds into a new account on the instruction of an unexpected caller – even if they tell you that the account is in your name
- Always check your phone line has properly disconnected before making another call – wait five minutes after the suspicious call before making another
- Never share your PIN number or enter your PIN into a telephone
- Never withdraw money and hand it to a courier or anyone who comes to your door
- Never give your bank cards to a courier or anyone who comes to your door.
Please pass this advice onto your loved ones, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable.
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