We’re now into the Christmas period, which sadly is when fraudsters hit thick and fast with on-line shopping, romance fraud, courier fraud, charity fraud etc, etc.
The majority of frauds originate from social media apps such as Facebook, WattsApp, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and others too numerous to mention. Regardless of age, most of us will use some of these and the key thing to note is to make sure that you know who you’re talking to before divulging any personal information. You might think that they’re one of your friends, but accounts get hacked and although it appears to be someone you know there’s a chance that it’s someone you don’t know.
This month we’re going to focus on Courier Fraud, which is rife at the moment and elderly people in particular are being targeted and losing large sums of money.
The scam starts with a phone call from the fraudster, pretending to be a bank official or a police officer. The caller may be asked to confirm some personal details that would be fairly easy to find out, such as their name and address.
The fraudster may then give the victim a phone number to call. The phone number is meant to reassure the victim that this is a genuine case and not a scam. If the victim calls the number, it’s answered by the fraudster who pretends to be someone else. Once the fraudster has gained the trust of the victim they will suggest a plausible scenario, such as
· some money has been removed from a victim’s bank account and staff at their local bank branch are responsible
· Suspects have already been arrested but the “police” need money for evidence
· Or they will claim a business such as a jewellers or currency exchange, is operating fraudulently and they need assistance to
gather evidence.
The fraudster then asks the victim if they will help them with the investigation by doing one of the following:
· Going to their bank and taking out money
· Withdrawing foreign currency from an exchange
· Buying an expensive item for an expert to examine
The victim may be given a ‘safe’ code word that the courier or expert will say to them so they will know they are genuine. The courier will then turn up to collect the money or expensive object, and say the code word, reassuring the victim once again that they are genuine.
When the money or object is handed over, the victim is promised that they’ll get all the money back or be reimbursed for their purchase. However, the fraudster then disappears, and the victim never receives the money they’re owed.
If, at any time, you think that your details have been compromised, then speak to your bank in the first instance and log a report with Action Fraud. Also refer to the numerous links provided in our November Please Be Fraud Aware Newsletter.
Don’t let scammers spoil your Christmas. Stay alert and be safe.
Happy Christmas from all in the Fraud Safeguarding Team.