South Yorkshire Police have issued a stark warning to the public after a 90-year-old woman from Sheffield was conned out of £12,500 in a courier fraud scam last week. The incident, which occurred on 17 April 2025, has sparked fresh concern over the increasing number of elderly victims being targeted by sophisticated criminal operations.
A Disturbing Crime
The victim was first contacted by a fraudster posing as a police officer from London, who falsely claimed that her bank account had been compromised. She was instructed to dial 999 to verify the situation. However, unknown to her, the scammers kept the phone line open and redirected her call to another criminal impersonating a second police officer.
Believing she was helping with a police investigation, the woman was persuaded to withdraw £12,500 from her bank account and hand it over “for evidential purposes.” A courier was then sent to her home to collect the cash. The money has not been recovered.
“This was a cruel and calculated crime,” said South Yorkshire Police Fraud Protect Officer Charlotte Platts. “These scammers are highly manipulative and prey on vulnerable individuals, often using trusted institutions like the police to legitimise their lies.”
How Courier Fraud Works
Courier fraud typically involves criminals posing as police officers or bank staff to trick victims into handing over money or sensitive financial information. According to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre, courier fraud incidents have surged by 20% since 2022.
Key tactics include:
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Impersonation of authority figures
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Keeping phone lines open to intercept return calls to real services
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Sending couriers to collect cash, cards, or valuables
Elderly and isolated individuals remain the most common targets, with around 65% of victims over the age of 65.
How to Protect Your Loved Ones
Police are urging the public to help spread awareness, especially among elderly family members, friends, and neighbours. Their advice includes:
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Never give personal or financial details over the phone to unexpected callers.
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Hang up and use a different phone to verify the caller’s identity with a trusted contact.
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The police or banks will never ask for cash or card handovers.
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Report suspicious activity immediately by calling 101 or visiting the Action Fraud website.
For further support and updates, the South Yorkshire Police Cyber Crime and Fraud Facebook page offers regular guidance.
Public Response
The case has triggered widespread reaction online. On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote, “Heartbreaking to hear about this Sheffield case. We need better education for our grandparents!” On Reddit, a discussion thread highlighted the emotional impact on victims and their families, with one commenter noting, “It’s not just about money — it’s the betrayal of trust that’s so damaging.”
A Call to Action
This case is a sobering reminder of how easily scammers can exploit vulnerable individuals. Authorities are calling on the community to remain vigilant and check in on elderly neighbours and relatives.
If you believe someone you know may be at risk or has fallen victim to fraud, contact police via 101 or report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk.
Together, with increased awareness and collective vigilance, we can help stop these criminals and protect those most at risk.
