This May, all forces are working together on a national campaign to target criminals committing courier fraud, a crime which has continued to increase. This newsletter tells you what courier fraud is, how to spot the signs and what you can do to prevent it.
Courier or impersonator fraud is where a fraudster calls a victim impersonating the police or a bank. The fraudster claims to need the victim to partake in a fraud investigation by withdrawing or transferring funds. In some cases, victims have been persuaded to buy Rolex watches or gold bars - although in most cases, victims are persuaded to transfer money into another bank account or hand over cash and bank cards after disclosing their PIN.
After persuading the victim to part with funds, fraudsters will often send a 'courier' to the victims address to collect cash or cards.
Fraudsters often give varying stories as to why they need the victims help. They may claim that the victim's bank is committing fraud, that they have arrested a fraudster who they need evidence against, or that they have spotted fraudulent activity associated with the victims accounts. They can be very convincing and will often discourage victims from speaking with anyone else about the situation.
In Surrey and Sussex, courier and impersonator fraud is one of the highest recorded fraud types affecting our residents. In 2021, Surrey and Sussex received 1063 reports of courier and impersonator fraud in relation to vulnerable and elderly victims.
An 85-year-old woman from East Sussex was called by someone claiming to be from the police. The caller claimed to be 'DI Evans' from the 'fraud team'. The caller explained to the victim that they had arrested a suspect who was claiming to be the victim's niece. The victim was then passed to a different 'officer' who claimed the arrested female worked at a bank and the victims bank account was under suspicion of fraud.
The victim was asked to support the investigation by attending her local bank branch and withdrawing £5000, which was to be later collected by a 'courier' and 'analysed'.
The victim attended her local branch to make a withdrawal. Once in the branch, the victim indicated to staff that she was secretly on the phone to someone which raised suspicions. Staff at the bank refused the withdrawal and raised banking protocol. Thankfully, due to the quick actions of the bank, the victim did not suffer any loss and was safeguarded by the bank and genuine police officers who attended.
If you or someone you know is vulnerable and has been a victim of fraud please report online.
Report fraud or attempted fraud on the Action Fraud website or call 0300 123 2040.
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Ukrainian Crisis Warning – We have begun to hear about scams using the Ukrainian Crisis to extort or scam money. Please be mindful of this and check the origins of requests to support the crisis. If you come across scams please report them. Visit our REPORTING SCAMS webpage for more information.
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Willingdon community Speed Watch this morning at our Sussex Police designated site in Jevington village left to right Sandra Fullman, 86 years old Nita Luce with speed gun and Ray Ingram. Our next session will be in Seven Sisters road.....If you care to join our group of seven residents log into and sign up at.
The small community of East Jevington on the C40 road has several Equine stable yards, and many horses use this area especially around Green Lane. Vehicles have been monitored by a local Speed Watch Group travelling in excess of 50mph in this 30mph zone. The villagers of Jevington ask East Sussex County Council to place a road hump just before the entrance to Green Lane before a very serious accident occurs.