Cumbria Police seeks public help in combatting phone fraud

Cumbria Police is calling for public assistance to help protect the vulnerable from fraudsters using phone scams, often referred to as courier fraud.

These scams often target older individuals or those perceived as vulnerable, using deceitful tactics to acquire cash or valuables under the guise of authority figures like police officers or bank employees.

Officers have enlisted local pharmacists, taxi drivers, and businesses in their mission to raise awareness and thwart these heartless criminals.

Fran Henderson, a Cumbria Police fraud prevention specialist, said:

“The fraudsters who carry out these offences are heartless, cold, and ruthless. They target some of the most vulnerable in our society."

Police officers and PCSOs are actively engaging with local communities to raise awareness about financial scams and their devastating impacts.

They are working with businesses like Boots chemists and Wiltshire Farm Foods to distribute fraud alert cards offering guidance on avoiding scams.

Additional efforts include liaising with doctors’ surgeries, jewellers, and other outlets that interact with potential victims.

Cumbria’s Police, Fire, and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, also stressed the importance of vigilance and community support to tackle these offences.

He encouraged the public to hang up on suspicious calls and verify the identity of callers through official contacts.

Key advice includes:

• Banks and police will never solicit bank details or PIN numbers over the phone.
• Requests to withdraw money or send goods should be viewed with suspicion.
• If in doubt, hang up and wait five minutes before redialing or use another phone to call trusted numbers.

Utilise the 159 feature to contact banks directly.

If you suspect you have fallen victim to fraud, report it to the police via 101, and always call 999 in emergencies.

Face-to-face advice events will be held at Houghton Hall Garden Centre in Carlisle on 17th June and Hayes Garden Centre in Ambleside on 18th June.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.