Public urged to be vigilant following courier fraud incidents in Herefordshire
Elderly victims targeted by fraudsters posing as police
West Mercia Police are urging the public to remain vigilant following recent incidents of courier fraud affecting elderly and vulnerable individuals in Herefordshire.
This includes a case in Hereford, where an elderly person was coerced into withdrawing cash and purchasing high-value items, as well as transferring large sums of money to an account under false pretences.
Another incident in North Herefordshire involved a fraudster impersonating a police officer, convincing an elderly victim to transfer money to a different account. These are part of a string of similar fraud cases reported recently across Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Courier fraud typically involves scammers posing as police, other law enforcement officials, or bank personnel, convincing victims to divulge their PIN, credit card details, and other financial information. They may also instruct victims to hand over cash or purchase high-value items for a ‘courier.’
West Mercia Police have advised the public to stay alert and ensure vulnerable friends and family are aware of this scam.
They stressed that legitimate police officers will never request payments, withdrawals, transfers, or ask for banking details.
Fraudsters have impersonated officials like the 'Chief Police Officer of Hereford' or claimed ties to the MET police. To verify such calls, individuals should hang up and contact the police or their bank using a different phone line.
West Mercia Police aim to tackle these fraud cases through Operation Prospero, focusing on offenders impersonating police officers. For more details on door-to-door and courier fraud, visit the West Mercia Police website.
If contacted by someone pretending to be a police officer, individuals are urged to call 101 or report incidents via the West Mercia Police website. In emergencies, calling 999 is advised.