The Met Police have issued an alert about a type of fraud called 'courier fraud'. Their message is below. As we can tell from reports in the press, many victims didn't believe that it could happen to them. Many others are embaressed. The fraudsters are plausible, they sound convincing, there can be persistant and agressive. If you are in any doubt, terminate the call.
A particular type of fraud targeting elderly people is on the increase across London. Our aim is to raise awareness and provide some key crime prevention messages to the elderly and their circle of support - friends, family, neighbours etc.
By raising awareness we will decrease the likelihood of people falling victim.
The average age of the victim is 70 years old. The average loss is £4,000.
The Method
1) The method varies but essentially involves a victim being telephoned (cold -called) by a suspect who alleges to be someone of authority (eg, from the police, bank, Serious Fraud Office). The suspect tells the victim there is a problem with their bank account (like it has been compromised) and that their bank card must be collected.
2) If the victim is unconvinced that the call is genuine they are instructed to hang up and call a genuine number – such as 999 or the telephone number on the rear of their bank card. However, the suspect keeps the telephone line open and so the call goes straight back to the fraudster who then deals with any subsequent call, convincing the victim of their authenticity.
3) The victim is then content to reveal their bank details, namely the PIN.
4) An often unwitting courier or taxi driver is sent to collect the victim’s card. The card is delivered to a second suspect, who then passes it on to the fraudster. The fraudster then empties the bank account.
Key Messages
Primary: (To potential victims, family, friends) Never give anyone your PIN or bank card – the police and banks will never ask for them.
Secondary/supporting message(s): (To cabbies/couriers) Beware of collecting and delivering packages from elderly people as you may be assisting in a criminal offence.
Reporting offences: If you have been a victim call the police on 101 or in an emergency by dialling 999. (Generally victims are elderly/vulnerable and therefore it is NOT appropriate to report this matter to Action Fraud).
HV says: If you have a call as described above, call the police from a different phone line. Remember the fraudsters hold their line open and pretend to be the police.
This January two local men, from Sidmouth Street, London, WC1H, were jailed for this type of fraud.
Mohammed Dulu Miah (28.12.86) pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud at Blackfriar's Crown Court on 13 November 2012 and was subsequently sentenced to four years and three months imprisonment on 24 January. Shilu Miah (08.09.81) pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit fraud, and blamed his brother for the crimes. However, following a seven-day trial it took the jury under an hour to find him guilty, on 15 January 2012. He was sentenced to six years imprisonment on 24 January 2012.
Camden’s Detective Chief Superintendent, Richard Tucker, said: "These men committed a calculated and ruthless series of frauds to fund their lavish lifestyle. They had absolutely no regard for their victims, demonstrated by the fact that they not only took their victims' lifesavings without batting an eyelid but then even taunted and verbally abused some of them"
"These sentences reflect the importance we, the police, and the criminal justice system attach to this cold-hearted crime, and our determination to bring the callous perpetrators to account."
"I urge the public to remember this simple rule: banks and the police will never ask for your PIN or bank card, so do not give it to them."