Thousands of pounds handed over as fraud gangs target vulnerable

West Mercia Police said in the last few days, some victims have handed over thousands of pounds to criminals pretending to be police officers.

The scam, known as courier fraud, is primarily targetting elderly and vulnerable people in Shropshire and North Worcestershire.

Detective Inspector Emma Wright said: "Sadly, these predators are again targeting vulnerable people who may not have seen the news recently or be aware of media and police reports about this scam.

“I urge everyone who has elderly or vulnerable relatives to please give them a call, call over the fence to their neighbour or remind them if they pop into your shop that the police will never, ever, call you and instruct you to withdraw your cash. No officer will ever ask for you to travel to a bank and hand over your money as part of an investigation if a loved one is in custody or if your account has been compromised. These are all lies.

“These criminals are significant members of organised crime gangs with the confidence and the experience to be very convincing and courier fraud is just one element of their criminal activities. But we can defeat them in one simple act; hanging up the phone. No police officer will telephone your grandmother, your dad or you and ask for your money.

"They are lying, they are criminals and you can beat them by ending the call.

Protocol

“So please, tell anyone you think needs to know, that no police officer from any force or department will ever ask you to hand over money or transfer funds, regardless of their name or unit.

"If you work in a bank, you can help us by using the banking protocol and preventing vulnerable people who are potential victims of fraud from withdrawing large amounts of cash to hand over to couriers in these scams.

"Please alert us if you suspect a vulnerable person is withdrawing cash for this purpose, so we can check they are not a victim.

"I would like to reassure people in Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and Worcestershire that we are investigating these crimes and these gangs and want to hear from anyone who has been contacted in this way.

“If the crime is still in progress, because for example, you have recently provided bank details or handed over cards or cash or are going to visit your bank or the caller has arranged for someone to visit your address to collect items, you should call the police to report this on 101. In an emergency dial 999.

“Please remember the police will never contact you asking for your bank card, details, cash or ask you to go to a bank to withdraw cash. If someone does, it's a scam – provide no details and hand nothing over, hang up, wait ten minutes then call 101.”