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Courier fraud has become a significant concern in the UK, particularly affecting older and vulnerable individuals. This scam typically begins with a phone call from someone pretending to be a police officer or a bank official. These fraudsters often have basic personal details, like your name and address, to appear credible.
They may instruct you to call a number they provide or the one printed on the back of your bank card to “verify” their identity. However, here’s the trap: if you call the genuine number without properly hanging up, the scammer can remain on the line and redirect your call to another fraudster.
The Tactics Criminals Use
Scammers often claim there is an urgent issue, such as fraudulent activity on your account, and insist that you need to hand over your card or cash to a “courier” for security reasons. In reality, this courier is just another member of the criminal gang collecting your valuables.
It is important to note that this is not how the police or banks operate. Neither will ever ask for your PIN, personal details, or request that you send your card or cash via a courier.
Action Taken by Authorities
The Metropolitan Police have made significant efforts to combat this crime. In a two-month crackdown, they arrested 18 suspects and recovered over £250,000 in stolen funds along with hundreds of bank cards. Alarmingly, 80% of the victims were over 65 years old.
How to Protect Yourself
- Hang up immediately if someone claims to be from the police or your bank and asks for your card, PIN, or cash.
- Never give your card to anyone who comes to collect it.
- Wait five minutes before calling your bank, or use a different phone line altogether.
- Remember, your debit or credit card is yours. No legitimate organization will ever ask a stranger to collect it from you.
About the Author – Anirudh Mittal is a B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar, with a keen interest in corporate law and tech-driven legal change. He enjoys breaking down complex legal issues into crisp, insightful reads that connect law with the real world.
