Warning over spate of hoax ‘courier’ calls
FRAUDSTERS TARGETING VULNERABLE PEOPLE
POLICE have issued a warning after a spate of courier scams targeting vulnerable people.
Victims have been conned out of a thousands of pounds in Cheshire.
The con sees a gang member, known as the ‘victim communicator’, make a phone call to a vulnerable person claiming to be a police officer or bank worker.
They then persuade their target to cooperate with a fictional operation supposedly designed to gather evidence or identify criminals. Victims are asked to withdraw money, purchase an expensive item or provide their account details as part of the ‘investigation’.
This is then handed over to a courier on the promise that the cash or goods will be returned.
Police say the ‘compensation’ is never provided and the money is never returned.
Detective Sergeant Chris Jacques from Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit said: “It is particularly concerning that we are continuing to see spikes in the number of courier fraud scams targeting the most vulnerable in our communities.
“These scammers will stop at nothing to make a criminal gain and can be extremely convincing and very persistent.
“By using these methods they can often blindside their victims into believing them, before taking hard-earned money.
“It is important for the public to remember that police officers, banks and other services will never ask you to withdraw money or provide card details over the phone. Telephone numbers can be easily spoofed and you should never trust a number displayed on your telephone.
“Another concerning trend is that scammers have been asking victims to call back on 999, 101 or 162 to verify that they are genuine.
“This is part of the scam and they keep the line open so that the victim continues speak with the scammers believing that they are genuine officials.”
Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “I am greatly concerned about the re-emerging trend of courier fraud cases across Cheshire. The fact that these fraudsters will stop at nothing for their own criminal gain and continue to blight the vulnerable in our communities is deplorable.
“I know that the Economic Crime Unit is working hard to make residents aware of these scams while narrowing down on the fraudsters who believe they can get away with these crimes.”
Anyone who believes they have been contacted fraudulently or have been a victim of fraud should call Cheshire Police on 101 and Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.