Courier Fraud Scam Alert

As the song goes, “’tis the season to be jolly……tra, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la.” Unfortunately though, as we well know, it is also the season for scammers and fraudsters to click their actions into overdrive. However, having said that, we are lucky in our community that we have the ever vigilant John, from Blacon, keeping us all to date with details of the various scam warnings we need to be aware of. Thanks ever so much yet again John. So very much appreciated. This latest post is about a courier fraud scam alert. Read on for more information. May I also ask that you try and share this information please.

Courier Fraud Scam Alert

Here’s the Cheshire Police alert article John sent.

“Detectives are warning the public after a spate of courier fraud scams have left Cheshire victims without thousands of pounds. Since November there have been four incidents. One in Wilmslow, one in Crewe, one in Handforth and another in Warrington. All of which have been reported to Cheshire Constabulary.

Courier frauds are mainly committed by organised crime groups (OCGs). A member of the OCG, known as the ˜victim communicatorâ”, makes a phone call to vulnerable potential victims, persuading them that they are a police officer or work at a 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, who attends the victim’s address or meets them nearby. This is on the promise that the money or item will be returned or compensation will be provided.

Courier Fraud Scam Alert – No Compensation

Sadly, no compensation is provided and the money will not be returned. Leaving victims, in some cases, out of pocket of thousands of pounds. Detective Sergeant Chris Jacques from Cheshire Constabularys Economic Crime Unit said: In the last couple of months we have had reports of people being a victim of this type of crime.

We therefore want to warn others to prevent them from also becoming a victim and to also encourage people to tell elderly relatives and neighbours about it so they are aware of the signs. 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. 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 Spoofed

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.”

Anyone who believes they have been contacted fraudulently or have been a victim of fraud should call either Cheshire Constabulary on 101 or contact Action Fraud by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting their website: https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/Email

Message Sent By Daniel Millington (Cheshire Police / Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, Media Officer, Corporate Communications).”

Courier Fraud Scam Alert – Please Spread The Word

You may have noticed that I bolded the phrase “Telephone numbers can be easily spoofed.” I covered how this actually happened to a local resident recently. A part of the scam was that this local resident received a phone call that appeared to be from his bank. It was the bank’s actual number that come up on their display. That is a very important issue to note. I can’t stress enough the need to spread the word wherever you can.

The scammers and fraudsters are clever, but let’s try and combat that by being as clever at least and that extra vigilant. Err on the side of caution wherever you can. However sophisticated or precise the contact is, keep in mind the clear warning signs. As soon as you are asked for any personal information, or money, then let those alarm bells sound in your head.

Also bear in mind you may know someone who is not internet savvy. If that is so then even more reason to spread the word. Give them a call and tell them about posts like this.

Thanks again John for another vital scam warning post.

Chester Lifestyle Blog Posts

Thanks for reading my latest blog post – Courier Fraud Scam Alert. And thanks for visiting my Chester Lifestyle website. It is very much appreciated. This post is another valuable addition to our Chester Crimewatch category. To see all other Chester Crimewatch posts, then have a look HERE.

For all of my other blog posts on a variety of topics, then head on over to HERE. Thanks for reading. And stay safe one and all.

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