West Mercia Police have reported multiple cases in recent weeks, including an incident in Hereford on August 28, where an elderly victim was pressured into withdrawing cash, purchasing high-value items, and transferring a large sum of money to another account.
A similar case was reported in north Herefordshire, where another elderly victim was convinced by a caller posing as a police officer to transfer a significant amount of money.
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Detective Inspector Mel Reynolds said: “Please continue to remain vigilant around courier fraud and look out for vulnerable family or friends who are more at risk of falling victim to these con artists.
“Make sure they are aware of this scam.
“Always remember, no police officer from any force will ever ask you to make a payment or purchase, withdraw or transfer money or ask for your bank details.
“In recent incidents fraudsters have claimed to be the ‘Chief Police Officer of Hereford’ or that they are from the MET Police.
“If you have a call like this, put the phone down and call the police or your bank from another landline or mobile to check, not the one you were called on.”
Courier fraud typically involves a scammer calling the victim and claiming to be from the police, another law enforcement agency, or a bank.
They dupe them into revealing their PIN and credit or debit card details or ask them to hand over cash or to buy high value items which they then advise them to hand over to a ‘courier’.
Elderly people are most commonly targeted in these scams.
West Mercia Police are addressing these incidents as part of Operation Prospero, which focuses on offenders posing as police officers.
The force is working in partnership with Report Fraud to tackle the issue.
Anyone who believes they have been contacted by a bogus police officer is advised to call 101 or report it online via the West Mercia Police website.
In an emergency, always call 999.
Further information about courier fraud and how to protect yourself is available on the West Mercia Police website under “door-to-door and courier fraud.”
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