Sussex Courier Fraud Hits Elderly Hard
Scam artists are still targeting Sussex’s most vulnerable with courier fraud, tricking victims into handing over cash, bank cards, and valuables.
How The Scam Works
Fraudsters call victims posing as bank staff or police, claiming suspicious activity on their accounts. They pressure victims to withdraw money or send bank cards for a “fraud investigation.” Some even claim bank employees are involved in the scam to confuse their targets.
Shocking Stats Reveal Extent of Scam
- Op Signature, Sussex Police’s campaign to protect vulnerable fraud victims, has logged 543 courier fraud reports this year.
- Most victims are women aged 75 and over.
- About 185 victims lost money—total losses top £3.6million.
Real-Life Warnings
In East Sussex, an 80-year-old woman was told her bank account was at risk and asked to withdraw £8,000 for a bogus investigation. Thankfully, bank staff spotted the scam and stopped the withdrawal.
But an 89-year-old man in West Sussex wasn’t so lucky. After a call from a fraudster pretending to be his bank, he sent his real card to a London address and lost £727 before cancelling it.
Bernadette Lawrie, Financial Abuse Safeguarding officer for Sussex Police, warns: “Stop and think anytime you get a request for personal or financial info. If unsure, contact your bank directly using official numbers, and always check with family or friends.”
How to Stay Safe
- Never share personal info or PINs over the phone.
- Always check the phone line is properly disconnected before calling someone else—try calling a friend first, wait five minutes, or use a different phone.
- Don’t transfer or withdraw money because of an unexpected call.
- Never hand over your bank card or valuables to a courier or stranger.
- Remember, banks and police will NEVER ask for your PIN or send couriers to collect valuables.
- The police will never ask you to withdraw money or buy valuables to help an investigation.
Suspect You or Someone You Know Is a Victim?
Report courier fraud to Action Fraud online or call 0300 123 2040.
If the victim is elderly or vulnerable, contact Sussex Police on 101. For emergencies, dial 999 immediately.
Find more prevention tips and info on the Op Signature website.
