Northamptonshire Police, City of London Police and Metropolitan Police focusing on Courier Fraud

Good morning,

This week Northamptonshire Police are supporting City of London Police and the Metropolitan Police with a safeguarding intensification week focusing on “courier fraud”.

The purpose is to raise awareness to members of the public, jewellers and taxi firms regarding the growing trend of “courier fraud” so that warning signs can be recognised and crimes can be prevented.

Courier fraud starts with a phone call out of the blue from a criminal pretending to be a Police Officer, bank official or other investigatory body.  They claim there is an issue with your bank account, or request your assistance with an investigation.  They ask you to transfer money to another account or to withdraw cash or foreign currency, to provide your bank cards or PIN numbers or even to purchase high value items such as gold bullion or hand over jewellery.  If you are unable to drive or have limited access to transport, they will often suggest you use a taxi to take you to the bank or jewellers.  Once back home with money, gold or jewellery, they will arrange for this to be collected by a courier from your home address.  

Police, Bank officials or other investigatory bodies will NEVER ask for your PIN numbers, bank cards, goods or money.

To make sure the caller is from the bank or really a Police Officer, hang up the phone at the start of the call and wait 5 minutes (criminals stay on your phone line) or use a different phone call to call:-

101 - to verify if the person is a police officer

159 – to speak to your bank directly (or call the number on the back of your bank card).  

If you have been a victim of fraud then speak to your bank and report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit the website www.actionfraud.police.uk