Warning issued to people across West Midlands as figures show over half a million pounds lost to courier fraud

A renewed warning has been issued for people across the West Midlands about courier fraud as criminals continue to use increasingly sophisticated and persistent tactics to financially exploit victims.

West Midlands Police said it received 70 reports of courier fraud across the region over the last year, with the amount stolen from victims totalling just over £577,619.

Courier fraud occurs when criminals contact people under false pretences – commonly impersonating police officers or bank officials – and after gaining their trust, convince them to hand over money or other high-value items.

Fraudsters often target older people, with those aged over 70 making up the majority of victims.

The force said that theft of jewellery and gold is becoming increasingly common, with victims being persuaded to visit multiple jewellers to purchase expensive items over a period of time before handing them to a courier.

West Midlands Police added: “This method often results in the highest amount stolen and can involve repeat victimisation, with offenders maintaining contact to extract as much money as possible.”

Matt Dyer from the force’s Economic Crime Unit said: “Courier fraud is about exploitation and manipulation. Criminals often single out older people who tend to be very trusting of the police and other institutions like banks.

“They ruthlessly take advantage of that trust for their own monetary gain with absolutely no regard for the financial harm and emotional distress they cause their victims.

“Fraudsters also use messaging platforms like WhatsApp, as well as official courier services, to facilitate collections. We’re working hard to counter these new and evolving techniques, but we also need to spread the word about courier fraud so that people know what it is, can spot the signs and are able prevent it from happening to them.

“We’ll be out and about across the region this week providing advice to people about protecting themselves against courier fraud and other scams.”