Bromley Trading Standards is reminding residents to be wary of unexpected phone calls from people falsely claiming to be from the police or the bank, following local reports of courier fraud activity.
The warning is also in support of the 'Operation Callback' courier fraud campaign by the Metropolitan Police, which aims to raise awareness of courier fraud to prevent offences. Courier fraud is not only responsible for financial loss, it can also cause significant emotional harm.
In cases where fraudsters are posing as the police, the fraudster typically asks a resident to assist in police investigations, either by withdrawing cash, buying foreign currency, or purchasing expensive items. The fraudster might have some personal information about people such as their name, address and banking information, which makes the call appear more genuine.
Fraudsters may also pose as the bank and ask a resident to withdraw money and not to speak to anyone. They will also provide false reasons for the withdrawal to explain to the bank, such as the money being for a relative, to buy a car, for a family holiday, etc.
A 'courier' is then sent to collect cash, jewellery, or bank cards from the resident, who is falsely promised that any monies will be reimbursed - this is not true. Bank cards are especially used rapidly to make expensive purchases.
There are other examples of how fraudsters trick people, such as:
- The resident’s bank needs to issue a new card
- Money has been removed from their bank account and staff at the local branch are responsible
- Suspects have been arrested but the 'police' need money as evidence,
- A business is operating fraudulently, and they require assistance to secure evidence
Trading Standards advice to protect yourself from fraud
If you receive an unexpected phone call from one of these fraudsters, the Trading Standards advice is to HANG UP immediately - before the fraudster can persuade you that your money is at risk; they can be very convincing. Even if they have certain information, be careful not to assume this is genuine.
Never hand over your bank cards or valuables - if your card is cancelled, destroy it yourself. Call your bank on 159 to check your account is secure - leave it a good while or use a different phone. Fraudsters can trick people into thinking they are speaking to the bank, but in reality, the fraudster is still on the line.
More information on courier fraud is available on the Action Fraud website and the Take Five to Stop Fraud website.
Report and information
Call 159 to speak directly to your bank 159 - Stop Scams UK
Report to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or on the Action Fraud website.
Contact Citizens Advice for help and advice on 0808 223 1133 or on the Citizens Advice website.
If you have been tricked into sending money by bank payment, check out the Toolkit and UK Finance Authorised Push Payment Fraud guidance for more information on recovering lost money
Contact Metropolitan Police online, on 101, or in an emergency 999.
Find out more about the Operation Callback campaign on the Metropolitan Police website
For general information about scams in various languages visit the Friends Against Scams website
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