Pensioner Issues Warning About ‘Courier Fraud’

A pensioner has spoken out after he was targeted by fraudsters posting as Police officers.

A number of the scam phone calls have been made to people in the Harborough District over the past few days, including to 87-year old Jack in Lutterworth:

jack with Paul Wenlock from Leicestershire Police

The tricksters have been staying on the line so when people call 999 straight away they go back through to them.

Luckily Jack became suspicious and didn’t pass over any of his details before alerting Leicestershire Police a short time later.

The so-called ‘Courier Fraud’ has seen some people withdraw large amounts of money which was later collected from their homes.

Since October 2019 Leicestershire Police have had 62 reports of courier fraud.

Some 13 of those resulted in a total financial loss of more than £120,000 and 49 of the reports were attempts to obtain cash or valuables.

Paul Wenlock is the head of the Economic Crime Unit. He said:  “Fortunately Jack became suspicious and luckily no money exchanged hands.  It’s extremely important for people to be aware of these offences.

“One thing to be aware of is the police or banks would never contact people in this way. If they are called they should disconnect the call straightaway and report the incident to the police using another telephone, as on some occasions calls can remain connected.

“If you have an elderly neighbour or relative make them aware of this scam. The callers do sound plausible and it is quite easy to get drawn in.”

Further advice about these offences can be found on https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/courier-fraud