Elderly women lose thousands to courier fraud in Leicestershire

Three women in their 80s and 90s were targeted by courier fraudsters in Leicestershire within four days. One victim in Anstey lost £9,400 to a caller posing as a police officer.

Three courier fraud cases hit Leicestershire in four days

A woman in her 80s from Anstey lost £9,400 after a caller impersonating a police officer told her that her husband had been arrested, bbc.co.uk reports. The incident was one of three courier fraud cases reported to Leicestershire Police within four days.

The caller claimed to be a police officer from Hammersmith and told the victim her husband was in custody and had been using their bank cards. She was instructed to withdraw cash from her accounts, which would then be collected at her home later in the week. She was also told to keep the call secret so as not to jeopardise the supposed investigation. Police confirmed the £9,400 was collected from her home on Friday.

Nicole McIntyre, from Leicestershire Police's economic crime unit, said courier fraudsters "try to prey on the elderly and vulnerable". She added that officers would never contact members of the public and ask them to withdraw money.

How the scam works

Leicestershire Police described the scheme as "courier fraud" — a method in which a fraudster phones a victim while posing as a police officer or bank official, claiming the victim's bank card has been used fraudulently or that a family member is in custody.

Ms McIntyre said callers often sound plausible and may already know the victim's name, address and other basic personal details, which can be readily obtained. A so-called courier is then dispatched to the victim's home to collect cash or bank cards, which are subsequently used to make purchases or withdraw funds.

"If you get a call like this, please hang up," Ms McIntyre said. "If you need to contact your bank following a call, please try to use a different line, as fraudsters can stay on the line even after you have hung up."

She urged communities to speak with elderly and vulnerable people in their networks to ensure they are aware of the tactic.

Two further victims in Oakham

On the same day as the Anstey incident, a woman in her 80s from Oakham received a call from someone claiming to be a police officer. The caller told her he was investigating a large scam case involving fraudulent banknotes and asked her to withdraw €10,000 in cash. She was instructed to tell bank staff, if questioned, that she was travelling to Ireland to visit family. Police said she withdrew the cash, which was subsequently collected from her home.

Also on that day, a woman in her 90s, also from Oakham, was called by a man claiming to be an officer from Sunderland Police. He informed her that her granddaughter had been arrested. The victim refused to believe the caller and ended the call before providing any details, meaning no money was taken from her account.

Arrest made; police urge vigilance

Leicestershire Police confirmed that one arrest has been made in connection with the courier fraud investigation. Officers have urged anyone who receives a similar call to contact police immediately.

Ms McIntyre said: "I'd encourage our communities to speak to one another to ensure no-one falls victim to such a crime. Please speak to anyone you know who is elderly or vulnerable to ensure they are aware too."

Source: Google News UK — Crime (en)