Latest from Kent Police Fraud Office
Published: 06 April 2021
Courier Fraud
Kent Police have received several reports in the Canterbury and Ashford area’s of persons being contacted by Fraudsters impersonating Police Officers from London and stating that they have arrested someone with payment cards in the victim’s name.
The victims are asked to either transfer monies or withdraw monies from their Bank accounts or to purchase high value items to assist with the investigation and that a courier will then collect these items.
This is all part of the scam. If you receive any calls of this nature, then disconnect the call immediately and contact Police.
DS Marc Cananur of Kent Police Serious Economic Crime Unit said “these people are vile creatures and it is a despicable way to target the vulnerable and older members of our community. The Police (or your bank) will never call you to ask you to verify your personal bank details or PIN by phone. Neither will they ask you to withdraw cash or purchase high value items or hand over your credit/debit cards to a courier to assist with an investigation.
I would ask those with relatives who may live alone to remind them of this”
If you receive any of these call hang up, however, if you are unsure, then ask the caller for their details, then either use another phone or wait five minutes and ring a family member or friend to ensure the line is clear and then ring 101 for the Police or the number on the back of your Bank Card.
If you believe that you have been a victim of this type of offence or the incident is occurring now, then ring the Police immediately.
