A fake police officer manipulated a pensioner into buying and handing over a £17,000 Rolex watch.
It is among a number of courier fraud scams that have seen fraudsters impersonate police officers to con Nottinghamshire victims in recent weeks.
Criminals typically carry out courier fraud by cold calling the victim, pretending to be a police officer or bank official to gain their trust.
They then convince the victim that they are assisting the police or bank in their inquiries and to do this they need to withdraw large amounts of cash or purchase foreign currency or expensive jewellery such as Rolex watches.
The fraudsters then arrange a password with the victim before sending a courier (who will be part of the criminal group) to collect the cash, bank card and PIN numbers or jewellery from their home address.
Nottinghamshire Police has received 18 reports of courier frauds since October 18, with five victims losing money or expensive jewellery.
In one incident, a fake police officer manipulated a Broxtowe pensioner into buying and handing over a Rolex watch worth £17,000.
The victim was contacted by someone purporting to be a police officer who claimed someone had been arrested trying to make a purchase on her card.
She was given a number to call and the name of a bank employee she needed to speak to – but that person was also a fraudster.
After gaining the elderly woman’s trust, the fraudster told her she needed to purchase a £17k-£20k Rolex from a jewellers in Nottingham to assist with the police investigation. The woman did as she was told and the watch was later collected by a courier.
In three other incidents, victims were persuaded to withdraw large sums as part of a covert police operation. The victims were told their bank was suspected of distributing counterfeit bank notes and that officers needed them to withdraw cash so the notes could be checked.
Three of the victims lost £8,000 while a fourth person lost £6,000.
Following the reports, Nottinghamshire Police is encouraging people to protect themselves and others by sharing the information below:
- Neither police nor bank officials will ever ask you to withdraw money from your account, purchase anything or hand over your personal details or passwords.
- If you believe you are being targeted by a scammer hang up the phone and use a different phone line to call Action Fraud or the police, as scammers have a way to stay on the line and will pretend to be the police when you call back.
- If you don’t have access to a different phone line, wait for a period of time and try calling a family member or friend first to make sure the scammer is no longer on the line.
- Just because someone knows basic details about you like your address or date of birth, it doesn’t mean they are genuine bank or police employees.
- Always question suspicious phone calls and report them to Action Fraud or the police.
- Tell relatives or people who you think could be vulnerable about the scam.
- Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed about being defrauded, it can and does happen to anyone.
Fraud Protect Officer Dale Richardson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Fraudsters can be incredibly deceptive in their methods but there are plenty of ways in which you can protect yourself against them.
“Never give any personal details, your bank card or PIN. If you suspect a fraudulent phone call, hang up the phone and wait five minutes, then call 101. Never use redial.
“It is important people know how to spot the signs of a fraudulent phone call so their finances are not put at risk and I would encourage friends, neighbours and family members to us help protect those who may be particularly at risk from these types of scams.”
If you think you or someone you know has been defrauded, you can report it by call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or to Action Fraud online or by calling 0300 123 2040.
If a person you suspect is a fraudster is at your address, call 999.
