REDDITCH Police are warning members of the public to be on their guard against criminals claiming to be from the police in a scam known as ‘courier fraud’.
Courier fraudsters will attempt to convince people they are legitimate police officers, often claiming to be from the ‘fraud squad’ or ‘New Scotland Yard’.
They try to persuade people to part with cash or expensive items like watches which are later collected by a fake courier, such as a taxi driver, who is working with the bogus police officer on the phone.
The caller will tell their victim to call 999 to confirm the details to police, except they stay on the phone so when they pick up again thinking they have dialled police. Instead, they instead speak to another person pretending to be an officer.
A spokesperson from Redditch Police said: “Remember, courier fraud can seem convincing but 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.
“If anyone does it will be a scam.
“Put the phone down and call the police or your bank from another landline or mobile to check, not the line you were called on.”
Visit westmercia.police.uk for more information.
