Police are urging residents in Hampshire to remain vigilant following several reports of courier fraud in the last two weeks.

The scam typically sees a victim receive an unexpected call from someone who pretends to be either a police officer, a staff member from their bank, or an employee from an internet or phone provider.

They then tell the victim, typically an elderly person, that their account has been subject to fraudulent activity and request that the victim helps with the ongoing investigation.

Victims are asked for details about their financial accounts before being sent to their bank to withdraw money. They are then told to hand over money or an expensive item to a fraudulent courier, who will typically come to their home to collect it. 

Since 29 October, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary officers have received six reports of courier fraud with five cases being reported in the last week, including one victim who was scammed out of £10,000. 

Officers are urging people to not engage with these type of calls. Police have also reminded anyone with an elderly relative, loved one, friend or associate to make them aware of this scam. 

One recent incident involved a man in his 80s from Alton receiving a call from someone who claimed to be from his bank. He was told his card had been used in a fraudulent way and that someone from the bank would come to his house to collect his card the following day. He handed over his card and PIN number. He then noticed that £3,000 had been spent on his card.

Detective Constable Michael Dumbleton, from the Economic Crime Unit, said: “These fraudsters are heartless individuals who prey on some of the most vulnerable people living in our area.

“Victims of courier fraud can be any age, but are typically in their 70s, 80s and 90s. I urge anyone who has an elderly relative to make them aware of this type of fraud as soon as possible. 

“These incidents can often have a huge impact on victims as they come to terms with the fact they have fallen for a scam, and the financial losses that come with it. 

“We do not want anyone to fall victim to these scammers and we are taking steps to inform residents of courier fraud; so that they are aware of this type of contact and can avoid becoming a victim.

“If anyone receives a call of this nature, they should not engage with the caller and hang up. We are wholly committed to investigating offences of this nature and will take steps to identify and bring those individuals responsible to justice.”

The tips to avoid the scams include:

- Remembering that officers, banks and other organisations such as HMRC will never call people and ask them to withdraw money or disclose personal or financial information.

- If someone calls claiming to be a police officer, ask for their ID number and police force. Wait at least five minutes before verifying details with the appropriate Force by calling 101. Ensure the call has disconnected as scammers will often leave the line open or use another phone altogether. A genuine police officer will not mind waiting while you check their identity.

- Taking a step back and taking a few moments to think. Speak to a friend or relative for their opinion before agreeing to anything. The fraudster’s tactic is often to keep the victim busy talking and isolated. They stress that they should not tell anyone else about the call.

- Banks or the police will never send a courier to homes to collect cash, bank cards, PINs or other valuable goods.

- If a friend, relative or carer might be vulnerable to this type of scam, speak to them about this advice.

If anyone has been a victim of fraud, it can be reported by calling 101 or, if a crime is in progress, dialling 999.

More information can be found on the Action Fraud website.