Courier Fraud On The Rise In Sussex - Victims Lose Over £8,000

Monday, 7 December 2020 06:00

By Oliver Dyer @olidyer

More than £8,000 has been lost by victims of courier fraud across Sussex.

Courier fraud is when someone calls and asks for money under the guise of the police or a bank.

Sussex Police says it has seen a 7 per cent rise in reports between August and November, compared with last year.

In Sussex, 76% of victims have been aged 75 and over.

A 78-year-old woman in Horsham had her bank cards taken on November 16.

The victim received a call from suspects pretending to be from her bank. They advised that that someone would attend her address to collect the card.

The victim was given a reference number over the phone before a man came up to pick up her card. She was also asked for personal information including his PIN number.

After several days, the victim became aware of the scam and reported it to police. She had been alerted to it by her bank after large sums of cash were withdrawn from her account in Croydon. The victim lost a total of £840.

PC Bernadette Lawrie, Financial Abuse Safeguarding Officer said:

"Criminals continue to exploit people through this appalling method and we are urging the public to be cautious of unexpected phone calls from people asking for personal information.

"If you have an older family member, we urge you to talk them through these tips for keeping safe from these courier fraud."

To protect yourself from courier fraud, Sussex Police advise the following steps:

Act with care if you get an unsolicited call
The police or your bank will never ask you to withdraw money or hand over your bank cards
Never transfer funds into a new account on the instruction of an unexpected caller – even if they tell you that the account is in your name
Always check your phone line has properly disconnected before making another call – wait five minutes after the suspicious call before making another
Never share your PIN number or enter your PIN into a telephone
Never withdraw money and hand it to a courier or anyone who comes to your door
Never give your bank cards to a courier or anyone who comes to your door.
Please pass this advice onto your loved ones, particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable.

If you believe you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, you can report information online or by calling 101.