Courier Scam- Be Aware!

The courier scam is when fraudsters call and trick you into handing your cards and PIN or cash to a courier on your doorstep.

There are many variations of the scam, but it usually follows this method:

• A fraudster will cold call you on a landline, claiming to be from your bank or the police. They state their systems have spotted a fraudulent payment on your card or that they have a suspect in custody for fraud relating to your account. In order to reassure you that they are genuine, they often suggest that you hang up and ring the bank/police back straight away. However, they don't disconnect the call from the landline so that when you dial the real phone number, you are actually still speaking to the fraudster.

• They then may either ask you to read out your PIN or type it on your phone keypad, suggest that you make a bank transfer to them to ensure safe keeping of your money or in some cases ask you to visit your local banking branch to withdraw cash. They may also ask for details of other accounts you hold with the bank or financial service provider.

• Finally, they either provide details for you to make the bank transfer or send a courier/state a police officer will attend to collect your bank cards and/or the cash. The fraudster will have then obtained your name, address, full bank details and potentially your card and PIN.

Protect Yourself:
Your bank will never send a courier to your home
Your bank and the police will never collect your bank card or cash
Your bank and the police will never ask for your PIN
If you receive one of these calls end it immediately
If you have handed over any details to the fraudster, call your bank and cancel your cards immediately.
If you want to call your bank, then do it from another telephone.

If you believe that you have been a victim of fraud you can report it online at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud or by telephone on 0300 123 2040.

Ed:"We regularly feature articles about scams and think it is important to continue to publish information and advice provided by the Police or Action Fraud, as people are still falling foul of these scams. Be Aware"