This is not the ‘real’ figure as not everyone who has been a victim reports the incident. (RG)
You may recall earlier this month we warned of ‘courier fraud’ scams where fraudsters pose as a police officer or bank official to persuade their often elderly and vulnerable victims to hand over large amounts of cash. We have been made aware of seven separate instances where people across Cambridgeshire have lost almost £88,000 to courier fraud this month alone. The bogus officer told the victim there was an issue with their bank account or requested their assistance with an ongoing investigation. The ultimate aim of the call being to lure the victim into withdrawing cash from their bank and later handing over money to a courier. Criminals are increasingly turning to vouchers as a method of obtaining funds since these are much more difficult to trace than banking transactions. This recent spate of courier fraud is appalling and must be stopped. Not only is the financial detriment significant, these crimes often have a devastating impact on the health and wellbeing of the victims and their families. Please remember your bank and the police would:
Further information about courier fraud can be found on our website here http://bit.ly/35W0NYB. If you are suspicious about a telephone conversation you should end the call and contact us via our non-emergency number, 101. Ideally use a mobile phone or a friend’s phone or wait at least five minutes before calling to ensure you aren’t reconnected to the offender. To report an incident in action or if you are in immediate danger always call 999. Community groups and individuals are invited to become a registered supporter of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Against Scams Partnership. Supporters receive information about the latest scams and funding or training opportunities and are provided with resources to increase scams awareness in their local community. For more information visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/against-scams or contact Charlotte Homent on 01954 284635. |
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Statistics
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