OLDER and vulnerable people in Worcestershire are being urged to be vigilant amidst a ‘courier fraud’ scam operating in the county.
West Mercia Police issued the warning after an elderly woman in north Worcestershire was scammed out of £5,000.
It starts with fraudsters making phone calls and claiming to be from West Mercia Police, quoting a force telephone number.
They try to persuade people to make bank transfers and threaten victims with arrests if they fail to comply,
In the latest incidents, fraudsters claim the person’s National Insurance number has been compromised but the claims are completely fake.
Det Insp Emma Wright said the scams were very elaborate and convincing but extremely cruel often – but not always – targeting elderly or vulnerable people.
She added: “No police officer from any force or department will ever ask you to make a payment, withdraw or transfer money or ask for your bank account details.”
Police are investigating and have urged anyone who gets a call like this to pass on the details to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.
Anyone who has provided bank details, handed over cash or cards or arranged for someone to visit to collect items should call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
