Courier Fraud Hits Nottinghamshire Elderly for Tens of Thousands
Scam artists posing as police officers have swindled elderly victims out of thousands by claiming their banks are handing out fake notes. Victims are told to withdraw cash and hand it over to a courier for an “undercover police investigation.” The cash collector? A thief who vanishes with the money.
Victims Duped by Sophisticated Police Impersonation
Nottinghamshire Police reported 34 courier fraud attempts in just two weeks in January. Six victims collectively lost a whopping £72,900. One victim in their 80s was conned out of a massive £24,000 after being tricked by scammers pretending to be from BT and then a detective sergeant.
Retired Steve Westby from Radcliffe-on-Trent narrowly avoided the scam and warned of how convincing it is. “When you think it’s a police officer on the phone, you immediately trust them,” he said. “It’s an ingenious ruse. I can see why so many people are duped by it.”
Police Urge Vigilance and Warn Against Bogus Calls
The scam often begins with a fake call about a bank card found with an arrested relative, followed by claims that counterfeit money was found, implicating the victim’s bank. Victims are pressured to fork out cash for inspection, but are never reimbursed.
Scammers even provide a fake number, “191,” for victims to verify the story — but this leads to more scammers. Nottinghamshire Police are now helping victims file claims to get their money back.
“If you know anyone who could be a victim of this type of fraud, please let them know that no legitimate police officer or bank will ever ask for your PIN or cash,”
– Dale Richardson, Nottinghamshire Fraud Protection Officer
Police Crack Down, Warn Public to Stay Alert
Detective Inspector Ashley Xavier assured the public the force is hunting the criminals. “These con artists are convincing and cruel,” she said. “If you suspect fraud, hang up and report it immediately. Don’t let these scammers steal your money and peace of mind.”
Stay alert and spread the word to protect vulnerable friends and family from this ruthless con.
