Alert Issued After Tricksters Pose As Police Officers

Leicestershire Police is urging people to be on guard after tricksters posing as police officers targeted 13 people in the county last week.

Known as ‘courier fraud’ they contacted the victims by phone claiming to be investigating fraudulent activity on their accounts and asking for money to be withdrawn so it could be checked.

One person handed over £5,500 to someone who subsequently called at their house to collect it.

Nicole McIntyre from the force’s economic crime unit, said: “Thankfully most of the victims contacted over the past week haven’t given enough detail to able the fraudster to steal money from them but this type of offence is of great concern to us.

“Suspects target elderly or vulnerable people and often sound genuine to gain the trust of the victims.

“The police or banks would not contact people in this way.

“If you get a call like this hang up. If you need to contact your bank to check wait five minutes as fraudsters can stay on the line even after you have hung up or use a different line altogether. Your bank cards are yours and never let them be used by others.

“We are asking people to remain vigilant. If you have elderly neighbours or relatives who don’t access our website or social media sites please advise them of these incidents.

“Telephone companies can assist with call blocking technology to help restrict these types of calls. We would recommend that people talk this through with their vulnerable or elderly family and friends to help prevent this activity.

“At times the fraudsters use local taxi firms to transport potential victims to their banks. We would ask taxi companies to be mindful of this and if they have any suspicions to contact the police immediately.

“Further advice about the scam can be found on the Action Fraud website https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/a-z-of-fraud/courier-fraud and the steps people can take to protect themselves.”