| Imagine a man calls you saying he’s a police officer and needs your help with an investigation. After several convincing conversations, he asks you to withdraw cash from your bank account and hand it to a courier who will come to your door. Would you do it?
This little-known crime, called “courier fraud”, is on the rise across the nation. Criminals are targeting the elderly and vulnerable people, tricking them into handing over thousands of pounds. These highly-organised con artists pretend to be the police or other authority figures, exploiting people’s trust in these institutions.
One man, aged 74, was conned into handing over 2,500 after being told it was a key piece of evidence in an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office. In a particularly bad case, a woman in her 80s was tricked out of 975,445.
Concerned about a 50pc in this type of crime in just a year, the police have launched the first nationally coordinated crackdown on fraud: Operation Radium. They have arrested 44 suspects since November and 14 people have been charged, including two who have pleaded guilty.
The fraudsters tend be part of organised gangs, and proceeds from the scams are often spent on drugs, human trafficking and other crimes.
The emotional and mental impact on victims can be severe. They can feel ashamed and be reluctant to speak out. Some have even been driven to the point of suicide.
Telegraph Money reporter Marianna Hunt accompanied police as they made arrests in London. Read her first-person account of the raid here.
If you or someone you know have been an victim of courier fraud, report it to the police online or call 0300 123 2040. You can find out more about courier fraud and how to spot the signs here.
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