Courier Fraud Alert
28th of July, 2025
We want to make you aware of a serious and growing threat: courier fraud, which has cost victims across the UK more than £21 million in the past year alone.
The City of London Police, in partnership with the Metropolitan Police, recently launched a major crackdown in Hatton Garden, London’s jewellery district. This operation follows a surge in cases where fraudsters impersonate police officers or bank staff, convincing victims - often elderly - to withdraw cash or buy gold, then hand it over to a fake courier or taxi.
Why This Matters in Lancashire
While the recent enforcement focused on London, courier fraud is not limited to the capital. Lancashire residents - especially older and more vulnerable individuals - are also being targeted.
Scammers often:
- Claim your bank account is compromised.
- Ask you to help with a “police investigation.”
- Send a courier or taxi to collect cash, cards, or valuables.
In one case, an 84-year-old woman was persuaded to travel by taxi to buy gold, with scammers staying on the phone the entire time. Thankfully, her family intervened just in time.
Protect Yourself and Others:
- Your bank or the police will NEVER ask for your PIN or send someone to collect items.
- Hang up immediately if you’re unsure, and call back using a trusted number (e.g., 159 or the number on your bank card).
- Don’t trust caller ID—it can be faked.
- Talk to elderly relatives, friends, and neighbours about these scams.
If you think you’ve been targeted:
- Contact your bank immediately
- Report it to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040
Let’s stay vigilant and protect our community from these sophisticated scams.