Courier Fraud Warning From Cheshire Police

Another day, another week and yet another scam alert warning. I’m sure you are all quite switched on by now to the various scam alerts out there. We’ve posted enough of them on here for you to be aware of. Check out the link at the bottom of the page for all the Chester Crimewatch posts and alerts. Again, the intrepid John from Blacon, has provided us with this warning. This one is a courier fraud warning from Cheshire Police. Another one as it happens. There was another one a few weeks back. It seems the problem is still with us and still needs addressing. And important to provide enough warning.

Have a read and again, if you can, spread the word.

Courier Fraud Warning From Cheshire Police

Here’s the message from John……

“Cheshire Police are warning the public after a spate of courier fraud scams have come to light. Already Cheshire residents have been conned out of thousands of pounds.

Back in July a courier fraud warning was issued. However, since then, Cheshire Police detectives have continued to see residents falling foul to fraudsters.

A Bit of Background

Courier frauds are mainly committed by organised crime groups (OCGs). How it works is as follows:

A member of the OCG, known as the ‘victim communicator’, makes a phone call to vulnerable potential victims, persuading them that they are a police officer or work at the bank.

They then manage to get the victim to cooperate with an ‘operation’ designed to gather evidence or identify offenders responsible for a fictional offence.

The victims are asked to withdraw money from their bank, purchase an expensive item and/or provide their bank details or card to assist with the operation. Money, items or documents are then handed over to the ‘courier.’ The ‘courier’ then attends the victim’s address or meets them nearby, on the promise that the money or item will be returned or compensation will be provided.

Unfortunately, no compensation is provided and the money will not be returned. In some cases this leaves victims out of pocket of thousands of pounds.

Courier Fraud Warning-What The Police Say

Detective Sergeant Chris Jacques from Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit said:

“It is particularly concerning that we are continuing to see spikes in the number of courier fraud scams targeting the most vulnerable in our communities.

“These scammers will stop at nothing to make a criminal gain and can be extremely convincing and very persistent. “By using these methods they can often blindside their victims into believing them, before taking hard-earned money.

This Is Important

“It is important for the public to remember that police officers, banks and other services will never ask you to withdraw money or provide card details over the phone.

“Telephone numbers can be easily spoofed and you should never trust a number displayed on your telephone.

“Another concerning trend is that scammers have been asking victims to call back on 999, 101 or 162 to verify that they are genuine.

“This is part of the scam and they keep the line open so that the victim continues speak with the scammers believing that they are genuine officials.

“Anyone who is receiving calls asking for money to be withdrawn and handed over to a courier should call 101 or report it to Action Fraud.”

Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “I am greatly concerned about the re-emerging trend of courier fraud cases across Cheshire.

“The fact that these fraudsters will stop at nothing for their own criminal gain and continue to blight the vulnerable in our communities is deplorable.

“I know that the Economic Crime Unit is working hard to make residents aware of these scams. Also, while narrowing down on the fraudsters who believe they can get away with these crimes.”

Anyone who believes they have been contacted fraudulently or have been a victim of fraud should call Cheshire Police on 101 and Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Information can also be reported online to https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/

Chester Crimewatch

Read the above carefully. And, as I mentioned above, read my other Chester Crimewatch posts. This one may be a specific courier fraud warning, but there are similar traits throughout all, or most of these scams. On that note, read my other Chester Crimewatch posts by clicking HERE.

And, also as previously mentioned, spread the word where you can. Especially if you know of any neighbours or family members or may think are more vulnerable.

A big thanks yet again to John from Blacon. Yet another vital Cheshire Police scam alert warning. As bad as these scams are, it is reassuring to know that we have someone keen to warn us of these.

Stay safe and alert everyone.

Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts

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