Luton: Bedfordshire Police are urging people to stay cautious after a rise in courier fraud cases in the past week.
Six recent fraud cases involved scammers posing as police officers or bank officials to steal money and personal details.
Victims are often told their bank accounts have issues or that they must assist in a police investigation.
The fraudsters’ goal is to trick people into handing over cash, bank cards, or sensitive financial details.
Fraud Tactics
Scammers usually cold-call victims, pretending to be trustworthy officials with urgent financial concerns.
They may claim the victim’s account is compromised and insist on withdrawing or transferring money.
Some fraudsters ask for debit or credit cards, offering to collect them for “safety reasons.”
Others demand valuable items like jewellery, pretending they need to “protect” them.
These scams often target elderly and vulnerable individuals, causing financial loss and emotional distress.
Police Advice
Detective Sergeant Ann Ward from Bedfordshire Police’s Serious Fraud Investigation Unit shared crucial warnings.
She emphasized that police will never ask for money withdrawals, bank details, or personal belongings.
Residents should verify callers’ identities before sharing any financial information.
People must avoid clicking on suspicious links in emails or responding to unknown messages.
If a call seems suspicious, hang up immediately and report it using a different phone line.
Reporting Fraud
If you believe you’ve shared details with a fraudster, contact your bank immediately for assistance.
Always report suspected fraud to Action Fraud or the police to help prevent further cases.
Using a different phone ensures that scammers can’t stay on the line to intercept outgoing calls.
People should warn elderly relatives, neighbors, and friends about these scams.
Sharing fraud prevention tips helps protect vulnerable individuals from falling victim.
Stay Safe
To learn more about courier fraud, visit the Action Fraud website for prevention tips.
Awareness is key in stopping these criminals from targeting more victims.
Police urge the public to stay alert and report any suspicious behavior immediately.
Community awareness can significantly reduce the success rate of these fraud attempts.
Bedfordshire Police will continue efforts to combat fraud and protect residents from financial scams.
