Derbyshire detectives issue warning over courier fraud incidents

Derbyshire detectives are urging residents to remain vigilant following a number of courier fraud incidents that have been reported to police.

In recent weeks, people living in Riddings have called police to report similar frauds and attempted scams.

Officers have been investigating these incidents and are issuing advice to help residents to further protect themselves from falling victim to the crime.

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Courier fraud often involves fraudsters calling members of the public to convince them to hand over their banks cards and PIN to a courier. There are many variations to this scam but they often follow a similar method.

Firstly, a fraudster will cold call you on a landline, claiming to be from your bank or the police. They state their systems have spotted a fraudulent payment on your card or it is due to expire and needs to be replaced.

They suggest that you hang up and ring the bank/police back straight away. However, they don’t disconnect the call from the landline so that when you dial the real phone number, you are actually still speaking to the fraudster.

They then ask you to read out your PIN or type it on your phone keypad. They may ask for details of other accounts you hold with the bank or financial service provider.

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Finally, they send a courier to you to collect your bank card. The fraudster will have then obtained your name, address, full bank details, card and PIN.

Detective Inspector Rob King, Head of the Derbyshire Constabulary Economic Crime Unit, said: “Fraudsters are finding new ways to target their victims and this is a particularly sophisticated fraud.

“Not only does the fraudster deceive the victim but they also arrange for someone to attend their home address to collect a credit or debit card. They now have the PIN, the card and an appetite for shopping on their bank account.

“Thankfully there are steps that we can all take to protect ourselves from fraud and by spreading the message we can aim to stamp out fraud and protect more people from falling victim to the crime.

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“Firstly, never give out your card details, PIN or bank card to anyone and always end any suspicious calls immediately before reporting the incident.

“Remember, the police would not cold call about a suspected offence, the banks will never suggest for you to hand your card to a courier and the banks and police would never ask for your PIN or bank card.”

For more advice around fraud, visit the dedicated dedicated Stamp out Fraud webpage at www.derbyshire.police.uk/stampoutfraud

If you think that you have been a victim of fraud, contact the non-emergency number for Derbyshire police on 101 or Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.

Report any suspicious incidents to the police immediately by phoning 101 or 999 if the crime is in action.

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