Beware of Fraudsters Posing As Police Officers and Bank Workers

Cheshire Police is reminding residents across the county to be vigilant following a number incidents of fraudsters posing as police officers and bank workers.

Courier fraudsters make phone calls to vulnerable potential victims, usually the more elderly members of the community, telling them they are a police officer or work at the bank. They persuade 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. The money, item or documents are handed over to another member of the gang, the ‘courier’, who attends the victim’s address or meets them nearby, on the promise that the money or item will be returned or compensation provided. Detective Sergeant Chris Jacques from Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit said: “Nationally, courier fraud is a growing problem. “I would strongly urge anyone receiving calls asking for money to be withdrawn and handed over to a courier to immediately phone the police on 101 or report the incident to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Police, banks or other such services don’t cold call so, if you do receive a phone call purporting to be from one of these organisations, don’t be taken in by what they say. They are not genuine.” Officers have issued general advice on how to spot and avoid courier fraud: • Police officers, banks or other such organisations will never ask you for cash or your bank details. • If you do receive a potential courier fraud call us on 101 or report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. • If someone is trying to rush you into doing something regarding your bank account it is likely they are involved in a scam. • Do you bank with one particular bank but the person on the phone is talking about a different one – even if they do have the right bank, it doesn’t mean it is legitimate. Detective Sergeant Chris Jacques from Cheshire Constabulary’s Economic Crime Unit said: “It is particularly concerning that we are continuing to see spikes in the number of courier fraud scams targeting the most vulnerable in our communities. “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 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.” Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane said: “I am greatly concerned about the re-emerging trend of courier fraud cases across Cheshire. “The fact that these fraudsters will stop at nothing for their own criminal gain and continue to blight the vulnerable in our communities is deplorable. “I know that the Economic Crime Unit is working hard to make residents aware of these scams while narrowing down on the fraudsters who believe they can get away with these crimes.” Anyone who believes they have been contacted fraudulently or have been a victim of fraud should call Cheshire Police on 101 and Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. Information can also be reported online to https://www.cheshire.police.uk/ro/report/

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