Courier Fraud - March 2025
12th of March, 2025
Lancashire is currently experiencing a rise in courier fraud cases, particularly in the eastern areas of the county.
In recent days, several vulnerable and elderly residents have been targeted by fraudsters making phone calls from withheld numbers, pretending to be bank officials or police officers in an attempt to steal large sums of money.
This issue is not confined to Lancashire, as courier fraud is increasing nationwide.
Criminal activity often spikes in certain areas due to the involvement of organised crime groups (OCGs), and victims can lose substantial amounts of money before the police become aware of the crime.
These offences frequently involve direct contact, where the suspect meets or intends to meet the victim, making them high-risk and highly exploitative crimes.
To help protect yourself from courier fraud, please follow this advice:
- Consider who is on the other end of the line – DO NOT assume a call is genuine just because the caller knows your name and address.
- Your bank or the police WILL NEVER ask for personal details, such as your card/PIN information, or arrange to collect cards or items from your home.
- Consider registering with the Telephone Preference Service (TPS) to reduce unsolicited or marketing calls.
- If you have any doubts about a caller’s authenticity, HANG UP, then either use a different phone or wait at least 20 minutes before calling your bank, Action Fraud, or the police - fraudsters sometimes leave the line open to intercept your next call.
- Install a call blocker – this can be done via your phone provider or by using a call-blocking app.
- If a call makes you feel uneasy or suspicious, talk to someone you trust about it.
If you receive a suspicious call or fall victim to this type of fraud, contact the police on 101, or dial 999 in an emergency (if a crime is in progress). You can also report it to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.