Police issue warning following courier fraud incidents in Shropshire
Police are warning Shropshire residents to be aware following a spate of attempted courier fraud incidents.
A total of twelve incidents have been reported since 11am on Monday, with the majority in the Bridgnorth and Shrewsbury areas.
Offenders are calling victims pretending to be from the police. They will state that either the victim's bank cards have been used fraudulently or that there is money missing from their account. Typically they will then ask them to contact their bank. The fraudsters then stay on the line, in order to obtain bank details before sending a courier to collect the bank card, and using it to obtain cash, or meeting them to collect money.
Fortunately in the majority of incidents, the fraudsters have realised this is a scam and have hung up, however yesterday there were two incidents in which elderly people were subjected to the scam.
On the first occasion an elderly man was told to go to his bank to meet the callers there. On arrival at the bank he enquired inside and fortunately found out this was a scam before handing over any money.
On the second occasion an elderly lady was called by scammers pretending to be from the police in London, who said they were conducting an undercover operation. Over the course of four days, they told here to transfer a substantial amount of money to an account which she did. They then on two occasions asked her to withdraw a substantial amount of money, and leave it under a car for them to collect. Again she believed the scammers were genuine, and complied.
Detective Chief Inspector Tom Harding said "This is a despicable crime, in which the scammers target those who are vulnerable and elderly. The scammers are motivated by greed and will take advantage of the good nature of victims, by convincing them they are helping to solve a crime. They not only exploit people for their money, but this crime can have a longer term impact on those who trusted the scammers, and have become a victim."
We are cracking down on this crime, and would urge people to be vigilant. Please remember your parents, grandparents or elderly friends or relatives could be targeted by these fraudsters, so please share the message with them and ensure they know how to keep their money safe."
Police are offering the following advice:
• 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.
• Remember the police and bank would never ask for your PIN or send a courier to collect your card.
• Please share this message with any elderly friends and relatives.
Update: Further incidents have been reported in Highley on Tuesday 7 July.
