West Midlands victims lose £435,000 in one year due to courier fraud - what it is and how to stop the scammers
Courier fraud has cost West Midlands residents more than £400,000, prompting a national campaign.
New data from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB), run by the City of London Police, has revealed that West Midlands residents have lost £435,000 in one year due to the rising threat of courier fraud.
In the West Midlands, 92 cases of courier fraud were recorded, with unsuspecting victims losing an average of £4,700 each.
The data comes as the NFIB, run by the City of London Police, revealed 1,797 reports of courier fraud nationally in the financial year, with an average loss of £12,000 per victim.
In response to the new data, the City of London Police has launched a targeted campaign in an attempt to crack down on the rising threat of courier fraud nationally.
Khatija Nichols, from the Economic Crime Unit, said: “Courier fraud is a cruel and calculated crime. It preys on trust, often targeting people in their most vulnerable moments.
"Scammers pose as police officers and bank workers and use urgency and fear to trick victims into handing over bank cards, PINs, cash, or personal valuables."
What is courier fraud?
Courier fraud is classified as a sophisticated type of scam where fraudsters attempt to impersonate police officers or bank officials.
The fraudsters typically call their victims, often elderly or vulnerable individuals, to convince them that their bank accounts have been compromised.
The victim will then be urged to hand over their debit card, cash, or valuables to a so-called 'courier', who is sent by the criminal, under the false pretext of safeguarding their assets or assisting in an investigation.
The criminals will usually use spoofed phone numbers and play on fear, urgency, and trust to manipulate and coerce their targets.
How you can help stop courier fraud
Ms Nichols added: "Remember, you always have the right to pause, to question, and to verify. No legitimate organisation will ever ask you to give personal financial information or send someone to collect your belongings without prior, official arrangements.
"If you're unsure, hang up the phone, shut the door, and reach out through trusted, official channels.
"Staying safe starts with staying informed. We urge people to talk with their elderly family members and neighbours about courier fraud. A simple conversation today could prevent a devastating scam tomorrow."
Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of fraud is told to contact their bank immediately, and also report it to Action Fraud online, or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Anyone who feels an immediate risk or suspects that a fraudster may be heading to their home should dial 999 and report it to the police immediately.
