BARNSLEY police have warned residents to not fall victim to the latest ‘courier scam’ where fraudsters phone residents claiming to be from the bank in a bid to steal people’s cash.
Officers in South Yorkshire Police’s fraud co-ordination team have reported that vulnerable victims in Barnsley have had money stolen - including one elderly South Yorkshire man who lost around £6,000.
Courier fraud is a scam where offenders phone victims and claim to be from a bank, the police or another official authority, and convince the victim that they need their help to gather evidence and solve a fraud case.
The victims may then hand over ‘evidence’ in the form of their bank cards, cash or other high value goods to a courier who is sent to their home.
DC Tim Bell, from the force’s fraud co-ordination team, said: “Action Fraud has made us aware of a number of courier fraud incidents in the borough over the last few days, including six in the same day yesterday (November 10).
“Courier fraudsters are extremely cruel - they pose as officials and then betray their victims’ trust in a nasty scheme to steal their money or expensive items.
“I’d urge anyone who has elderly or vulnerable relatives or loved ones to check up on them and make sure they know not to fall for it if they are contacted themselves.
“If you think you are on the phone to a fraudster, hang up the phone straightaway and then call back your bank, or the police, on a trusted number using a different phone line or mobile.
“If you can’t do that, wait at least 30 minutes before using the same phone, in case the fraudster is still on the line.”
Reports of courier fraud should be made to Action Fraud on 0330 123 2040 or online at www.actionfraud.police.uk.
