Police warning following attempted courier fraud incidents in Shrewsbury
Police are urging people to be vigilant after two courier fraud incidents were reported in Shrewsbury on Thursday.
On both occasions the fraudsters targeted elderly females, by calling them and stating they were acting on behalf of a solicitor called 'Robinson'. On each occasion the male caller has known the victim's name and address including the postcode, which they have repeated to them. They have told the victims they are due to receive a cheque for a substantial amount of money, and that a courier will be round in the next two hours to drop this off.
However in order to release the cheque, the victims have been told they must make a payment of £200 either in cash or UKASH vouchers. Sometimes the caller has told the victim where the nearest cash point is, or offered them a lift there.
Fortunately on both occasions, the victims have realised this is a scam and have not handed over any personal details, but police are warning others to be aware.
West Mercia Police are issuing the following advice:
• Do not hand out any personal details over the phone.
• If you receive a call like this, please hang up immediately and call 101 from a different phone. If there is a crime in progress, please call 999.
• Please share this message with any elderly friends and relatives.
