Courier fraud alert after scammers net £78,000
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 £15.2 million through scams.
Now Hampshire Constabularyis 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.
‘We want people to know the tactics used by fraudsters and to be aware of the warning signs to look out for.
‘These incidents can often have a huge impact on victims as they come to terms with the fact they have fallen for as cam, and the financial losses that come with it.
‘We want to ensure that people do not become repeat victims, so we want to educate them and their loved ones to ensure that fraudsters can no longer take advantage. of
Hampshire and Isle of Wight residents.
‘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 .’
Anyone who receives an unexpected call from someone claiming to be a bank official, police officer or utility engineers should verify they are speaking to someone genuine: hang up, wait five minutesand callback on a number they know is genuine.