Warning over fraudsters who persuade victims they need to send cash or bank cards in the post
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We’re reminding everyone to be aware of fraudsters who are trying to convince would-be victims to withdraw cash from their bank accounts – and send it to them in the post.
The scam, which tries to convince the victim that their local bank branch is involved in fraud, also sees criminals persuading people to post bank cards to an address.
It is all under the guise of a supposed anti-fraud investigation, and the victims may be told not to mention it to anybody because of the covert nature of the investigation – and even that the cash they withdraw may be examined for fingerprints.
In fact, it is all an elaborate but extremely convincing and persuasive scam which sees people being cheated out of thousands of pounds of their own money.
The type of fraud we are warning about above is similar to so-called ‘courier fraud’, which is again when people are contacted by someone purporting to be a police officer or bank official, before being duped into handing over money or bank cards. The victim may also be encouraged into handing over their PIN, or high-value items such as jewellery, watches and gold (coins or bullion). Victims can even be coerced into going out and buying items such as gold and jewellery from legitimate retailers on behalf of criminals.
In courier fraud, these are collected from their home address, but we are also aware people are being asked to post cash, cards or valuables to these fraudsters. The reality is that criminals use a variety of different tactics – often claiming that there is a problem with your account and they need your help to catch the real criminals.
If someone calls you claiming to be from your bank, the police, or an organisation such as HMRC, and asks you to withdraw money from your account: STOP! THINK FRAUD.
We also know that many of those who will be targeted by these fraudsters will not necessarily see our message here. So please do speak to loved ones, friends and neighbours and make them aware of the clever but cruel and manipulative ways in which fraudsters operate.