Thames Valley Police have informed us that elderly and vulnerable residents in the Aylesbury area (including Haddenham) have recently been targeted by a courier fraud scam.
The courier scam is when fraudsters call and trick victims into handing over money and/or bank cards and pin numbers to a courier arriving at the victim's doorstep. There are many variations of this scam but the below version of the scam is currently prevalent in the Aylesbury area (But may become prevalent in other areas of TVP)
* A male suspect will contact the victim claiming to be a Police Officer informing the victim that a suspect has used their card details to purchase a television.
* The victim is then asked to attend the bank to withdraw cash in order to "assist with the police in progressing the enquiry". In some cases the suspect will arrange for a taxi to collect the victim and take them to the bank.
* The suspect tells the victim that the banking staff are believed to be involved in the fraud so it is imperative the victim does not disclose any information that could compromise the Police investigation. The suspect will often suggest a cover story for the victim to tell the bank if questioned.
* The victim is then contacted again where the suspect requests that the victim reads out the serial numbers of the bank notes. The suspect then "confirms" that the bank notes are fake and that a Courier will be sent to victims home to collect the money. In some cases the victim is told that the courier will be an undercover Police Officer.
* In some cases the suspect will set up a password which the courier will quote to the victim upon collecting the money. If challenged for a warrant card the suspects claims that the Police no longer use warrant cards in order to verify identity.
Please remember that:
* The police or your bank will never call you to ask you to withdraw money, verify your personal details or pin or offer to pick up your money/card by courier. Hang up if you get a call like this.
* The Police will never ask you to withdraw or transfer money as part of an investigation.
* If you need to call your bank verify a suspicious call always use the number printed on your bank card and never allow anyone to "transfer" you.
* Always wait 5 minutes before making a new call as fraudsters may stay on the line after you hang up and allow you to believe you are speaking to the genuine Police/Bank. Where possible use a different line altogether.
* Your money and your debit card is yours – Never allow a stranger to take it off you. Your bank card should only ever be handed over at your bank. If it's cancelled you should destroy it yourself.
* Legitimate callers will never try to rush, scare or force you into anything. If you feel pressured or scared at any point, hang up or shut the door and tell someone you trust what has happened.
* Passwords will never replace warrant cards. A genuine Police Officer will always be happy to produce their warrant card to verify their identity.
* All banking staff are trained to ask questions when it comes to large withdrawals or unusual transactions. This is in order to protect you and your money from fraudsters.
If you receive a like this please report it to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040. In an emergency always call 999.
See more information here.
