WINCHESTER residents are being urged to be vigilant following numerous reports of suspected courier fraud attempts in the area.

Police have received seven reports of the scam since Thursday, October 10.

In the majority of cases, the fraudsters have claimed to be police officers from either the local area or from London. They claim that the victim’s account has been subject to fraudulent activity. Victims are then asked to help with the investigation and provide financial details or go to a bank to withdraw money to be picked up later by a courier.

READ MORE: Travel agent arrested for fraud after people turn up to find holidays not booked

A police spokesman said: "Fortunately, in these seven cases, no money was handed over. Those called either realised it was a scam and reported the call to us, or, as in one case, bank staff have intervened when a victim attempted to withdraw money.

"We are urging people not to engage with these types of calls. While anyone can be a victim, often elderly people are targeted and officer are asking anyone with an elderly relative, loved one, friend or associate to please make them aware of this scam."

Police are asking residents to remember that:

  • Police officers, banks and other organisations such as HMRC will never call people in this way and ask you to withdraw money or disclose personal or financial information. If someone does do this, please hang up – it will be a scam.
  • If someone calls claiming to be a police officer, ask for their ID number and police force. Wait at least five minutes before verifying details with the appropriate Force by calling 101 – do not use any number they provide unless you can confirm it as genuine. Ensure the call has disconnected as scammers will often leave the line open or use another phone altogether. A genuine police officer will not mind waiting while you check their identity (it’s a sign that it is a scam if the person becomes pushy or stresses urgency). 
  • Take a step back from everything and take a few moments to think. Speak to a trusted friend or relative for their opinion before agreeing to anything. The fraudster’s tactic is often to keep the victim busy talking and isolated. They stress that they should not tell anyone else about the call.

SEE ALSO: Warning issued after bogus HMRC letter scam targets Hampshire small businesses

  • Your bank or the police will never send a courier to your home to collect cash, bank cards, PINs or other valuable goods.
  • If you are a friend, relative or carer of someone you think might be vulnerable to this type of scam, please speak to them about this advice. You might be the only person who can stop them from being scammed.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of fraud, report it to police by calling 101. If a crime is in progress, dial 999.

Further information on scams and how to protect yourself can be found by visiting the Action Fraud website, or by contacting Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.