Warning over courier fraud after victims scammed out of £780,000

POLICE have issued a warning to be on your guard for courier fraudsters as victims in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight were scammed out of more than £780,000 last year.

Typically, courier fraudsters target their victims by claiming to be a police officer or a member of staff from a victim’s bank and they often pressure people into making quick financial decisions to assist with fictitious investigations.

In 2021 alone, 110 people in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight were victims of courier fraud, with losses totalling £786,963.

And across the whole of the UK, 3,625 people were victims of courier fraud, with people losing more than £15.2million through scams.

Now Hampshire Constabulary is supporting a new campaign launched by the City of London Police to help tackle courier fraud.

Detective Inspector Mark Carter, from Hampshire’s serious and organised crime unit, said: ‘These fraudsters are heartless individuals who prey on some of the most vulnerable people living in our area.

‘We know that victims of courier fraud are typically aged between 70 and 89, with women more likely to be targeted than men.

‘I would like to urge everyone who has an elderly relative, friend or cares for someone in that age bracket to make them aware of this type of fraud.

‘Our officers are determined to bring an end to offences of this nature and will take appropriate steps to identify and prosecute the individuals responsible.’