An arrest has been made in an investigation into an incident in which an elderly woman from Oxfordshire was made a victim of courier fraud.
The elderly woman, who lives in Oxfordshire, was contacted by someone claiming to be a bank official last September, who said said he was investigating fraudulent activity on her bank card and that he needed to send a courier to collect it.
The card was collected by a 'courier', and then used fraudulently to pay for multiple items.
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This type of crime is defined as courier fraud, which occurs when a fraudster telephones victims plausibly pretending to be a bank, police officer or other official, and may even confirm basic, easily-obtainable information with the victim, like their name and address.
A report in this case was made to Thames Valley Police, and the investigation was subsequently handed over to Leicestershire Police when a potential suspect in the area was identified.
Leicestershire Police officers arrested a 26-year-old man suspected to be involved in a courier fraud offence on Tuesday, July 7, after warrants were executed at two addresses in East Leicester.
The man has been released on police bail pending further enquiries.
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Investigating officer PC Clifford from Leicestershire Police's specialist crime unit said: "This type of offence is of great concern to us.
"Suspects are targeting elderly or vulnerable people. They sound genuine and gain the trust of the victims.
“The police or banks would not contact people in this way. If you get a call like this hang up. Don’t be pressured into agreeing to anything."
She advised anyone who receives a call of this nature to discuss it with a family member or trusted friend, even if the caller says not to, and to contact the bank on a known, official number.
She added that 'your bank cards are yours' and neither banks nor the police would ask for them to be handed over 'for safekeeping.
PC Clifford said: “We are asking people to remain vigilant. If you have elderly neighbours or relatives who don’t access our website or social media sites, please advise them of these incidents.
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“Telephone companies can assist with call blocking technology to help restrict these types of calls. We would recommend that people talk this through with their vulnerable or elderly family and friends to help prevent this activity.
“At times the fraudsters use local taxi firms to collect bank cards or transport potential victims to their banks. We would ask taxi companies to be mindful of this and if they have any suspicions to contact the police immediately."
Further advice about this type of scam can be found on the Leicestershire Police 'report fraud' website, which outlines the steps people can take to protect themselves and their family members.
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