Courier Fraud Warning

On April 15, 2015 0 Comment

Courier fraud – don’t be conned by phone scammers’ banking scare stories

An important message for our communities, local partners, businesses and charities (April 2015)

In 2014, West Midlands Police ran a campaign to raise awareness of a phone scam known as ‘courier fraud’ following a number of incidents in the region where vulnerable older people were persuaded to hand over their bank cards and PIN numbers to fraudsters impersonating bank or police officials.

Our message is: Fraudsters want your PIN and bank card – don’t let them scare you into giving these away. It’s a con, call 101.

Please share this message as widely as you can to help prevent other people from becoming their next victim. Together we can stop courier fraud. Here are a few more details about the scam…

What is courier fraud?

Phone scammers cold call you claiming to be a bank employee, police officer or other official. They say your account has been hacked and that they need to seize the cards and security details, including PIN numbers, to stop further fraudulent transactions. In some cases, a courier arrives to collect the bank card from your home. These fraudsters often suggest you hang up and call the number on the back of the bank card – but remain on the line to intercept the call.

Protect yourself

  • Your bank or police will NEVER send a courier to your home to collect bank cards

  • Your bank or police will NEVER ask for your PIN number

  • If you receive one of these calls, end it immediately

  • Always be wary of any unsolicited callers – if in doubt, hang-up the phone or close the door and call police

 Report it immediately

  • Call police on 101 if you are contacted by someone asking for your PIN number, your bank card or both

  • Already handed your details to a suspected fraudster? Call your bank and cancel your card immediately

  • Call your bank from another telephone – the fraudster may still be on the other line

Remember: Card collect is a con… Help police, pass it on.

Thank you for your time and assistance in reading our message and spreading the word.

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