Arrests made in London in connection with Northants courier frauds

Northamptonshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit have made two arrests out of county in connection with courier fraud.

Courier fraud involves fraudsters telephoning a potential victim, claiming to be from their bank, the police, or another law enforcement authority, and tricking them into sending cash or revealing their PIN number, bank card and personal details.

In incidents that have taken place over the past two years, the victims have been contacted by somebody pretending to be from their bank and through various calls and discussions have been persuaded to withdraw cash from accounts and send it to an address as part of a fake investigation into corruption at the bank.  

As part of an investigation into the incidents, officers from Northamptonshire Police’s Economic Crime Unit executed three warrants in the Hackney area of London at the end of February.

The addresses in question had received numerous parcels of cash which were sent by victims.

Two men aged 27 and 19 were arrested and have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Rogers said: “Fraudsters often rely on the victims being too ashamed to come forward but I want to make it very clear that the only people who should be embarrassed are the criminals, no one else.

“We see huge individual losses of money as a result of courier fraud from people of all ages and we are working hard to tackle the offenders in order to bring them to justice.

“I’m really pleased with these arrests and hope to see similarly good results as part of this investigation in the future.

“Finally, I just want to make it clear that if you are contacted by someone saying they are from your bank, even if they have all of your details, please put the phone down. If it is your bank they will be happy to make an appointment to see you in a branch of your choosing to discuss the activity on your account and they will never ever ask for money to be put in the post.”

Signs of courier fraud:

• Courier fraud usually starts with an unsolicited telephone call to the victim
• Typically, the suspect will pose as a bank official, police officer or a computer or utility engineer
• Courier fraudsters will usually request the victim purchases high value items such as Rolex watches and gold bullion, withdraws cash or provides a bank card for collection from a courier
• Fraudsters will instruct victims not to tell any family or friends about what they are doing
• When carrying out courier fraud, criminals will request the victim hangs up the phone to ring their bank for confirmation while keeping the line open. The suspect then purports to be bank official and provides false confirmation
• Fraudsters will also plan for a courier to meet the victim to collect the item they have purchased.

If you think you have been a victim of fraud you should report it to Action Fraud, the UK’s national fraud reporting centre, by calling 0300 123 20 40 or online by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.

It’s also important to report all fraud-related incidents to Action Fraud to help build a national picture and help prevent others falling victim to scams.