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Courier fraud is a crime in which the victim is tricked in advance into handing over cash, bank cards or other valuable items to a courier who visits them in person.
How does Courier Fraud happen?
Courier fraud occurs when a fraudster contacts victims by telephone claiming to be a police officer or bank official. The caller sounds plausible and may confirm the victim’s name and address, basic information which could be obtained easily.
In some instances, after trust has been gained, the fraudster will claim money has been withdrawn from the victim’s account by staff within the bank. They persuade them to go their local branch and take out a large sum of money from their account. The fraudsters then send someone to collect the money from the victim’s home address.
What can I do to protect myself?
The police or banks would not contact people in this way.
• If you get a call like this hang up.
• If you need to contact your bank to check wait five minutes as fraudsters can stay on the line even after you have hung up, or use a different line altogether.
• Never give any of your details over the phone.
• Install a call blocker on your phone. 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.
Please do not report crime or Incidents via 'Neighbourhood Link' as the messages are not always monitored
Road Safety
Colder weather is forecast for the coming weeks, I’ve got some useful tips to help you stay safe on the road.
Slow Down
Try to reduce your speed by 5-10 mph in wet or icy conditions, particularly when cornering or navigating a bend in the road
Keep your headlights on
Even during day time journeys - you'll stand out to other motorists and you'll benefit from the improved visibility
Be aware of sitting water and black ice
Both can cause a sudden loss of traction so slow down and avoid when safe to do so Keep your distance
Keep a sensible distance from the car in front, this will give you more time to react should they brake sharply
Brake carefully
If you need to stop, brake gently or feather the brakes - this will prevent your wheels from locking and your vehicle skidding
Be aware of flooded roads
Avoid crossing, particularly when you don't know how deep the water is
Coronavirus Vaccination Scams
As of 7 January 2021, Action Fraud had received 57 reports from members of the public who have been sent text messages claiming to be from the NHS, offering them the opportunity to sign up for coronavirus vaccinations. The texts ask the recipient to click on a link which takes them to an online form where they are prompted to input personal and financial details. In some cases the online form has looked very similar to the real NHS website.
Pauline Smith, Head of Action Fraud, said:
“Remember, the vaccine is only available on the NHS and is free of charge. The NHS will never ask you for details about your bank account or to pay for the vaccine. If you receive an email, text message or phone call purporting to be from the NHS and you are asked to provide financial details, this is a scam.”
How to protect yourself:
In the UK, coronavirus vaccinations will only be available via the National Health Services of England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. You can be contacted by the NHS, your employer, a local GP surgery or pharmacy, to receive your vaccination. Remember, the vaccinations are free of charge and you will not be asked for a payment.
The NHS will never:
- ask for your bank account or card details
- ask for your PIN or banking passwords
- arrive unannounced at your home to administer the vaccine
- ask for documentation to prove your identity, such as a passport or utility bills
If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726, which is free of charge.
If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk
Scam Texts
Please be aware of scam text message circulating regarding the new Covid19 vaccines. Sadly, fraudsters don't care about who they take advantage of - and the fear around the Covid19 pandemic is no exception.
Please, share this warning to make others aware.
NHS will NEVER require you to any give financial details. The vaccine through NHS is a free service, there are no charges.
Remember the golden rule! NEVER click on links in texts or emails.
Always report suspicious texts messages by forwarding to 7726 - it helps get fake pages down to protect others.
Did you know that we have our own Facebook page – Leics Police Cyber Aware. Why not give us a follow to help spread the word online safety, fraud and scams!
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